Referendum Ballot Questions

The following is an example of the ballot voters will see on March 4th.  Please keep in mind, school taxes are made up of 10 tax components and a referendum is only required for debt service and operating expense.  The ballot will not display the decrease in the other tax components.  If you have any questions about the ballot content or the overall change in the school tax, please contact:  [email protected] or (302) 629-4587.
 

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SECTION I.  AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE BONDS

The Seaford School District is seeking authorization to issue bonds in the amount of $491,000 for Major Capital Improvements.  The bonds are to be financed through an increase in property taxes and represent 25% of the total cost of $1,963,900 for the construction, additions and renovations, which include:

      • Planning, construction and equipment for a partial roof replacement at Central Elementary School

 

Projected Increase/Decrease in Annual Tax Rate as a Result of this Proposed Bond Issuance to fund renovations, over the First Five Years - see table for tax breakdown.

 

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

      Year 5

0.0195

0.0191

0.0187

0.0183

0.0179

In cents per $100 of assessed property value. Tax rates are estimates based on several factors including interest rates.  Retirement of existing debt will offset annual tax increases in future years.

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Section I — Vote For One (1)

 

A. For a bond issue at this time

 

B. Against a bond issue at this time

 

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SECTION II.   AUTHORITY TO LEVY ADDITIONAL TAX TO FUND CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES

 

To support these projects and ongoing district operations, the Seaford School District is also seeking authority to levy $0.72 per $100 of assessed property value to fund operating expenses, effective July 1, 2020. 

 

This increase is to provide funding for programs such as, but not limited to, the following:
 
      • Continue and support school safety and security initiatives
      • Continuance of ongoing programs (textbooks, instructional supplies and materials, discipline support programs, maintenance of facilities)
      • Upgrade and maintain technology
      • Upgrade and maintain extracurricular activities
      • Recruit and retain highly qualified staff
      • Necessary operating expenses (energy costs, general inflation, contracted services)
      • Sustain operations affected by reductions in state funding

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Section II – Vote For One (1)

 

A. For additional tax to fund current operating expenses

 

B. Against additional tax to fund current operating expenses

 

  1.