The referendum will allow us to do the following:
The portion of school taxes that is used for the daily operations of a school district, including funds that follow students to charter schools, cannot be increased in Delaware without a successful referendum.
When districts ask for an increase, they typically ask for enough to last three to five years. In 2016, after two unsuccessful referendums, we asked for support that would provide funding for two years, and we have been able to stretch funding for three years. The last operating referendum was in March 2016.
Costs have increased, and state support for general operations was decreased by almost $2.3 million. This referendum request will be phased in over three years. It allows schools to maintain current programs, and keeps the district from having to reduce supports for the classrooms and increase class size. It will also prevent substantial reductions to charter school budgets. Funding for charter schools is based upon the previous year’s local expenditures. District expense reduction will result in a decrease of funding per student.
For the average home in our district, the increase would be about $18.16 per month or $4.19 per week. This increase is phased in over three years.
The most accurate way to determine the cost of the referendum in relation to your school taxes is to look up your property tax assessment on the New Castle County website and use our tax calculator by clicking below.
Yes. The Christina School District has strong financial controls to assure spending is aligned with board-approved budgets. Monthly financial reports exceed the requirements established by the State of Delaware. These statements are reviewed monthly with the Citizen Budget Oversight Committee (CBOC).
All financial information and reports are available on the district website for full transparency.
In addition, improvements committed to in the March 2016 referendum were made as promised, including restoration of teachers and paraprofessionals, additional School Resource Officers, and increased support for school climate. The district did what it said it was going to.
Our last referendum was in March 2016. Two referendums in 2015 failed. This resulted in a significant reduction in staffing, supports for students and larger class sizes. The 2016 referendum was designed to restore these supports.
Yes! Many seniors are unaware that they may already qualify for significant, additional reductions in School and County property taxes.
Homeowners age 65 or over are eligible for a tax credit against regular school property taxes of 50 percent (up to $400). To qualify, simply complete a Senior School Property Tax Credit Application and return it to the New Castle County Assessment Office by April 30. To learn more, visit the Delaware Department of Finance's website below or call New Castle County at 302.395.5520.
We encourage all senior residents to investigate the Over-65 Exemption Application, and the Disability Exemption Application, available on New Castle County's website below. If you have questions or need help to complete the form, contact New Castle County at 302.395.5520.
Currently, 35% of the operating taxes collected follow students attending charter schools. The amount of funds provided is determined by a state formula based on the previous year's local expenses.
With a successful referendum, expenses will increase and charter schools will experience an increased funding per pupil. Conversely, an unsuccessful referendum will result in the district’s reduction of expenses which will negatively impact charter schools in the following year.
The proceeds from selling a building must be utilized for debt reduction, or to offset future borrowing needs for capital improvements. The funds cannot be utilized for operating expenses, which is the purpose of this referendum.
This referendum meets our immediate operating needs. There will be a request for capital improvements to repair many of our aging facilities.