$2.79 million Appoqunimink referendum approved

More than 4,600 residents in the Appoquinimink School District voted in favor of an operating referendum that would increase property taxes in the district.

The referendum was designed to help fill a gap in the district’s budget caused by cuts at the state level.  The ‘yes’ vote means taxes in the district will increase 15-cents per $100,000 of assessed value.  For example, a home worth $300,000 that is assessed for property taxes at $90,000 would see a tax increase of $135 per year.

Residents defeated a similar referendum in February.  District Superintendent Matthew Burrows was relieved to get the measure passed this time around.  In a statement thanking parents and the community for their votes, he said, “You gave us great feedback after the first referendum was defeated.  We listened when you told us to make it clear what was at stake for students.”

The final vote of 4,637 to 3,023 preserves 45 jobs in the district, including 28 teachers.  Items that were also saved from the chopping block include world language programs, a number of middle school after school activities and freshman and JV sports.

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