Pump the brakes on referendums 

At a recent Cape school board meeting, Superintendent Bob Fulton indicated that another referendum may be on the horizon this spring. 

“From my standpoint, I can almost guarantee you we will be coming forward with at least a recommendation for a current expense referendum this spring,” he said at the Nov. 14 board meeting. 

This statement comes after the state yet again denied contributing any money to the district’s plan to build an addition to the high school, and purchase land along Cedar Grove Road for construction of a new district office, transportation maintenance facility and natatorium. This is essentially the same plan district residents denied twice earlier this year. 

If Fulton is dead set on bringing forward another referendum, we hope it will be limited to increasing funds to cover current expenses. However, the bad taste left in the mouths of many voters may even put a simple request such as that in jeopardy. 

Several relevant concerns still remain for many district residents. Sussex County is in the process of reassessing homes. Letters are now being sent out with the 2025 assessed value. County officials will then need to adjust the tax rate to ensure the reassessment is revenue neutral. However, that does not mean every homeowner’s tax bill will stay the same. Owners of homes that increased greatly in value are likely to see higher tax bills when all is said and done. 

Also, three new members of Sussex County Council will be sworn in this January. That could mean support for a school impact fee. Although the legislation expires Dec. 31, local and state officials could take action to extend that deadline. If instituted, the fees could greatly impact a school district’s need for funding to cover capital projects such as new schools or expansions. 

Following a tumultuous spring with two failed referendums and facing a future of many unknowns, now may not be the best time to seek additional funding from taxpayers. Students and teachers deserve the best, but district officials should read the room and wait a little longer before trying again.