Referendum Information
What is an Operating Referendum?
An operating referendum is a vote that lets our community decide if our schools can get a little more money to help with everyday costs, like paying teachers, keeping schools safe, running buses, and supporting student programs. This money helps with three main things:
- School Safety - Keeping students and staff safe
- Student Supports - Helping every student learn and grow
- Recruiting and Keeping Great Staff - Making sure we have the best teachers and support staff
This is different from a capital referendum, which pays for big construction projects, like new buildings or major repairs.
An operating referendum keeps schools running strong every day.
What is Being Proposed?
The district is asking for a small tax increase starting July 1, 2026.
For every $100 of your home’s value (as listed for taxes), your school taxes would go up by about 9 cents (9.22).
For a home with the district’s average assessed value of $297,347, the increase would be about:
- $274.15 per year
- $22.85 per month
- $5.27 per week
- $0.75 per day
If approved, this change would raise $6,137,284 in the first year (Fiscal Year 2027).
This referendum does not fund new school buildings or major construction projects.
It focuses on keeping our schools safe, supporting students, and ensuring fair pay for teachers and staff — reflecting our shared commitment to Our Schools, Our Community, Our Future — the best investment we can make.
Why the Referendum is Needed:
Our schools work hard to give every student a safe place to learn and grow. But, it’s getting harder to keep up with rising costs – things like fuel for buses, electricity, and classroom materials.
Caesar Rodney hasn’t passed an operating referendum in over 10 years, even though prices have gone up.
We also have the lowest local funding and the lowest school tax rate in Kent County, which means we get less local support per student than other districts – but we still lead the county in student achievement.
The February 2026 Referendum will help us keep up with the needs of our growing community and continue offering the high-quality education our students deserve.
School Safety Supports
We want every student and staff member to feel safe at school.
Referendum funds will help by:
- Adding and upgrading school security cameras
- Installing badge readers for classroom doors
- Providing safety training for staff and students
Student Supports
Students learn best when they have chances to explore and belong.
Referendum funds will help by:
- Keeping programs in the arts, language immersion, sports, and AP courses
- Expanding after-school and extracurricular opportunities
- Improving bus services so students can get to and from school safely
- Providing extra help for students who need it
Recruitment and Retention of Staff
Strong schools need great teachers and staff.
Right now, Caesar Rodney teachers earn less than those in nearby districts.
Funds from the referendum will help:
- Keep experienced teachers in our schools
- Offer fair, competitive pay and benefits
- Attract new, high-quality teachers to our community