- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
On June 5th, residents of the Indian River School District will have the opportunity to vote and pass a referendum that will provide necessary operational funds for the school district. The last operational referendum that was passed in the district was in 2017. If you follow the link below, you will see detailed information regarding the reasons for this referendum as well as the mechanisms on how and where to vote on or before June 5th. In my view, this referendum must pass. A no-vote will require cuts beyond those that the district has already looked at as they diligently work in a manner to be good stewards with local dollars. This referendum does what is right for the kids in the district. It is also required if we expect doctors, medical support staff, and others to come and stay in our area. A high-quality education system is essential to make that happen.
Some groups and members of the community will comment about money already spent in the state on education and asking people to vote down the local referendum. These are coming from groups that have not focused on the areas that have increased in cost for the district over the past years and of the needs in the district requiring increasing numbers of special education teachers, paraprofessional costs, and some unfunded mandates that are up to the local districts to support. There is also the need for funding around language needs for students that requires additional financial support and staff. As a former school board member for 8 years, I can say that education is a people business, and without the necessary staff, kids, teachers, staff, and the community suffers.
There is no question that changing our funding formula which has basically remained unchanged throughout the state for 5+ decades must be modified and that work in Dover is ongoing with a state legislative commission that is underway. A formula that is a hybrid of the current system and considers new aspects for allocating resources will drive better education results.
The March 20 referendum was rejected by a vote of less than 10% of entire eligible voters.
Please go out and vote for the referendum. Make your voice heard.
Please go to https://www.irsd.net/referendum for further information.
