By Brian Gilliland

LEWES — Any Cape Henlopen School District resident who is a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old by Tuesday can vote at Cape Henlopen High School, Mariner Middle School, Beacon Middle School, Rehoboth Elementary School and the Lewes Public Library between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for a second attempt at a referendum since March.

Previously, the district sought $0.214 per $100 of assessed property value for capital projects, but that number has shrunk to $0.086. If approved, that would fund the purchase of property to relocate the district administrative office and build a vehicle maintenance facility.

Further, what had been identified as operational expenses at $0.335 per $100 of assessed property value has shrunk to $0.305 per $100.

Overall, the district is seeking $0.391 per $100 of assessed value, down from $0.549 per $100 in the previous request.

“I would like the public to know that we are in need of their support in order to continue the amazing work our district does for our students, staff, parents and greater community,” said Dr. Alison Myers, the school board’s president. “Please reference our website and social media posts for the most up-to-date and factual information. Please vote for our kids; strong schools equal a strong community.”

Under the new proposal, the schools would still be able to fund expanding operations due to population growth, as well as purchase a 102-acre parcel of land on which a district office and bus depot would be installed. Superintendent Bob Fulton said the parcel could eventually be developed into another school when one becomes necessary.

Gone is the proposed indoor swimming complex, which drew the most concern before the previous referendum.

Mr. Fulton explained that the reduction in the operational expenses is also part of the pool-financing project, as the district had assumed it would need to fund some portion of the startup expenses and had expressed that amount in the operational budget.

“Passing the referendum is crucial for us to maintain the high quality of education our students deserve. Funds from the operating expense will ensure students and staff have the resources they need to thrive in the classroom,” he added. “It will allow us to hire the professional staff and support staff that we qualify for based on student enrollment, provide salary increases and benefits to all our staff, and to purchase and maintain technology equipment and curriculum materials utilized in the classrooms.”

The last referendum was the first in six years. A 2020 vote was delayed due to the pandemic.

Since 2018, the district’s enrollment has grown exponentially, now meeting 2028 projections.

The people moving to the Cape Henlopen area are averaging about 10 classrooms’ worth of students each year, according to enrollment data.

“Through the purchase of 20-year bonds, the increase in the debt service tax over a three-year period will allow the district to pay the annual principal and interest of the projects. Approval of this increase will allow the district to proceed with the purchase of land for future expansion, including the relocation and construction of a district office to make room for future classroom space at the Cape Henlopen High School, a bus maintenance facility and additional space for a future educational facility,” Mr. Fulton said.

“All of this together will help provide the best possible learning environment for the future generations of Cape students and staff.”

During the March vote, more than half the ballots were cast at Cape Henlopen High, leading to long lines. So, the district has added voting sites during this referendum.