FELTON, Del.- By a narrow 753-734 vote, residents of the Lake Forest School District in Kent County on Tuesday approved a referendum that will raise taxes to help pay for higher salaries for new teachers as well as fund technology upgrades.
Despite a competitive starting pay, that does not mean teachers in the district stay for the long-haul.
"We can get the new ones in but if they're going to leave us to make more money elsewhere, then we've invested a lot in their training and given them a good experience," said District Superintendent Dr. Dan Curry. "We want to be able to keep them."
On Tuesday, the district asked voters to approve a referendum to increase taxes so they can not only increase teacher salaries but also make technology upgrades.
Some were in favor of the referendum.
"They need the funds to improve the situations in the schools and for the kids. And I have grandchildren and great grandchildren coming up," said voter Michelle Reed.
The district said the average homeowner will see an annual tax increase of about $88, but some are not so sure of those numbers.
"That was based on an assessment value of $35,000 a house and that is skewed way low in my opinion," Bill Newnom said.
Bill Newnom said he expects his taxes to go up abut $150 in the next three years.
"Our property and most properties in this particular area are assessed way more than $35,000," he said.
If the referendum had of failed, the district may have lost overtime for teachers, a school resource officer and possibly even summer school.
(Photo: WBOC)
