An educated public is vital to the stability and preservation of our democracy. The League of Women Voters of New Castle County places a high value on education and believes that everyone deserves a quality education regardless of where they live. Although the League continues to work on alternate ways to fund education in Delaware, we are currently stuck with districts funded by real estate taxes, as well as state and federal money, and the only way to achieve needed improvements or required staffing is through referendum.
Appoquinimink school district held a referendum vote on December 12, 2023, for both operational and capital (construction) expenses. The December referendum failed to pass, so the district will try again for a reduced amount on April 23, 2024. Here is a link to the school district's 2024 referendum page:
- Appoquinimink School District - apposchooldistrict.com - April 23, 2024 Referendum
If you live in the Appoquinimink school district (the greater Middletown area, and parts of the Glasgow area above the canal) please check out the reasons the district is asking for money and plan to vote. In order to vote in a school referendum, you must be a resident of the School District, a citizen, and be 18 years of age or older. You do not need to be a registered voter, although the League, of course, hopes all of you are!
Previous NCC School Referenda This Year
Several school districts in New Castle County had referenda scheduled in February and March of 2024. Brandywine had one 2/13, Red Clay on 2/28, and Colonial 2/29 and Smyrna on 3/9. The following links will take you to their informational pages:
- Brandywine School District (passed) - www.brandywineschools.org/referendum
- Red Clay School District (passed) - www.redclayschools.com/domain/2195
- Colonial School District (passed) - www.colonialschooldistrict.org/referendum-2024
- Smyrna School District (failed) - smyrna.k12.de.us/referendum2024
Cape Henlopen School District in Sussex County, Delaware, also held a referendum in March of 2024 that failed. It is uncertain at this time if Smyrna and/or Cape Henlopen districts will re-try their failed referendum later in the year.
