A referendum is a request of taxpayers to support school districts in operations and capital projects through a ballot initiative. The Smyrna School District scheduled a capital referendum for June 6, 2024.

The District prioritizes building a new school due to capacity and enrollment growth. Residents supported the project in March 2021. Since then, project costs have risen, with the State funding 77% of the increase. The District does not have the resources on hand to cover the other 23% of the estimated cost. The District is requesting the residents approve the capital request to cover the local match required by the State. Without it, the construction cannot proceed.

This referendum will support the market pressure funds needed to complete the following project:

• Build a new Intermediate School on Rabbit Chase Road

The construction of a new school is a priority for the District to address classroom capacity and projected enrollment increases. The project previously received residents' support in March 2021. Since that time, the estimated cost of the project has increased. The State has agreed to fund 77% of the projected increase. The District does not have the resources on hand to cover the other 23% of the estimated cost. The District is requesting the residents approve the capital request to cover the local match required by the State. Without the additional authorization, and the funding that accompanies that authorization, the District will not be able to move forward with the construction of a new school.

During the week of March 11, 2024, the school district reviewed the two construction bids for North Smyrna Elementary and Clayton Intermediate Schools. These bids were much closer to the original Certificate of Necessity than what the school district had anticipated. Therefore, the additional market pressure funding that was initially requested is not needed to complete these two projects.

It was clear that our community did not want to pass an operating referendum at this time. The school district does anticipate a discussion regarding an operating referendum with the Board of Education during the 2024-25 school year.

The Superintendent’s Administration is examining the priorities asked for on March 9, 2024. School constables, mental health supports, competitive salaries, technology materials, and new programs for the middle school program remain top priorities for the school district. It will, however, take the district longer to implement these priorities and may include changes or reductions to other programs or services to ensure all children’s needs are met.

For the Smyrna School district, the average assessed value of a New Castle County property is $47,000 (average market value is $200,000) and the average assessed value for Kent County property is $37,000 (average market value is $200,000). The increase debt service cost to the homeowner is as follows over the first five of the twenty years the bonds will amortize, and accounting for debt retirement:

All U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, and residents of the Smyrna School District are eligible to vote for the referendum. You do not have to own a home or have students in the District to vote. Voters will need proof of address on the day of the polls.

Acceptable forms of identification are:

• Driver's License
• State ID
• Passport
• Utility Bill

The bedrock of any community lies in the upbringing of its children. By investing in high-quality educational and extracurricular opportunities, we are fostering the growth of a generation that will contribute positively to various fields such as industry, social services, education, and beyond. Our Smyrna School District stands out as a community-based educational institution in the State of Delaware, with a rich legacy of alumni who are now educators shaping the future.

From thriving student organizations like FFA, Educators Rising, Business Professionals of America (BPA), and Black Student Union (BSU), to our commendable athletics programming and the arts, the Smyrna School District takes pride in its accomplishments. These achievements not only reflect the dedication of our students, but also contribute to the overall success and reputation of our community.

Even if you don't currently have students in attendance, your vote for the referendum plays a crucial role in sustaining and expanding these valuable initiatives. It ensures that our schools remain safe and secure, providing an environment where the next generation can flourish. By supporting the referendum, you are actively participating in the continued success of our community through the education and development of its youngest members.

The Tyler Technologies link below will help you understand the reason for the reassessment and the possible implications.

Kent County Reassessment 2024 - Tyler Technologies

In addition, the Kent County website linked below is a valuable resource to utilize to stay in the know.

Kent County Levy Court

The State of Delaware offers a school tax credit to seniors over the age of 65. The link below will provide you with valuable information to take advantage of this program. Additionally, we have information located here on our website.

Senior School Property Tax Relief

The State of Delaware offers a school property tax credit to disabled veterans. The link below will provide you with valuable information to take advantage of this program. Additionally, we have information located here on our website.

Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit

The answer to this question can be broken down into several sections.

• State Availability of Funds
  • We successfully passed a referendum in March of 2021. 
  • The funds were not dispersed in a lump sum. They were originally scheduled by the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget to be dispersed from Fiscal Year 2022 through Fiscal Year 2026.
  • The disbursements to date have released funding that would support the planning and design cycles. The district has not received the full amount originally approved for construction.
• Market Pressure Needs
  • During the construction planning process in late summer/fall of 2022, it became clear that we would need market pressure funding support from the state. 
  • We actively worked with our state partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders to secure market pressure support in late fall 2023. That funding was approved by the General Assembly and Governor in January 2024.
  • Two of the construction projects (North Elementary addition/renovation and Clayton Intermediate addition/renovation) went out to bid with favorable results. The winning bids indicated that the projects would fall within the amount that was approved in the March 2021 referendum. As a result, market pressure funding will not be required for these two projects.
  • An updated cost estimate was secured indicating that market pressure funding will still be needed for the construction of the new intermediate school.
• Regulatory
  • Land purchase for the new intermediate school
    • The land has not been purchased because the landowner has not fully completed the regulatory processes to sell the property to us. We have been working with him and helping him get the necessary approvals. He recently secured DelDOT approval, which is a huge step forward.
• Planning Process
  • We have been going through the various stages of school construction:
    • Schematic design - programming and civil design;
    • Design development;
    • Construction document development;
    • Regulatory/State reviews; and
    • Bidding/Negotiating.
• Status Update
  • North Smyrna Elementary addition/renovation: Bid approved at the March 20, 2024 Board Meeting. District administration will be meeting with the contractor to develop a construction schedule in April 2024.
  • Clayton Intermediate addition/renovation: Bid approved at the March 20, 2024 Board Meeting. District administration will be meeting with the contractor to develop a construction schedule in April 2024.
  • New intermediate school: The landowner is securing the final regulatory requirements and we plan to acquire the property this spring and enter the bidding phase of the project this summer. We continue to need market pressure support for this project.

Clayton Elementary students will be impacted in a number of ways:

• The new Intermediate School - the new school will service grades 4 and 5. Students from Clayton Elementary and Sunnyside Elementary will attend the new Intermediate School.
• Clayton Intermediate School (CIS) renovation/addition - The referendum will allow us to convert CIS to Clayton Middle School. The renovation/addition will entail the expansion of the cafeteria, the addition of gym lockers, and the addition of a two-story wing to the building. Once our Clayton Elementary and Sunnyside Elementary students move to grade 6, they will attend Clayton Middle School.
• Having a new intermediate school and an expanded school to serve as a second middle school will allow all of our K-8 students to attend buildings with less crowding.