Delmar School District likely to seek first referendum in a decade

The Delmar School District will likely ask voters to approve a school tax increase this coming year, as the small district serves the town that is split by the Delaware and Maryland border grapples with school overcrowding and inflation.

The Delmar Board of Education has not yet held a formal vote to hold a referendum, so it is unclear how much more money district leaders may ask residents to pay. But, during a special board of education meeting Wednesday called to discuss a need for a referendum, Superintendent Andrew O’Neal outlined what is at stake should residents fail to pass one.

We may have to reduce staff, programs; postpone essential repairs and accept our students will not have access to safe, modern learning environments that they deserve,” O’Neal said.

He pointed toward overcrowding, teacher and staff salary increases, and inflation-induced cost increases as reasons for needing to increase taxes.



https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/07/delmar-school-district-likely-going-out-for-referendum/