Residents in the Indian River School District head to the polls Tuesday to vote on tax hike referendum.
The district wants to increase taxes 49 cents per $100 of assessed property value to add $7.4 million to its budget.
District officials say the average taxpayer’s bill will increase by about $95 a year should it pass.
The bulk of the increase would be used to hire more teachers and paraprofessionals to accommodate enrollment growth over the past six years.
Another $1.5 million would pay for school safety upgrades, like new doors and windows, cameras, card readers and radios.
The rest would help buy new textbooks, replace old technology and support student clubs and organizations.
The vote comes on the heels of a state auditor’s report last week outlining how former district chief financial officer Patrick Miller misused funds, intimidated coworkers and skirted state financial rules before he suddenly retired this year.
District officials say they have made -- and are continuing to make -- changes to address accountability in the wake of the audit.
Indian River School District residents last approved a $6.2 million referendum in 2013.
Polls are open from 10 am to 8 pm Tuesday.
Polling Places for Indian River School Dist. Referendum:
- East Millsboro Elementary School
- Georgetown Elementary School
- Indian River High School.
- Long Neck Elementary School,
- Lord Baltimore Elementary School
- Selbyville Middle School
Proof of identification or residency is required at each polling place.
