7/29/2019 Referendum Cut 3-26 Revised

1/3

318 E. BASIN ROAD

NEW CASTLE, DE 19720

Contact: Lauren WilsonPublic Information Officer

302-323-2753 office

302-528-1628 cell

Lauren.Wilson@colonial.k12.de

EMBARGOED UNTIL 8:30 P.M.March 27, 2013

Failed Referendum Forces Immediate Cuts & Second AttemptNew Castle, DE- The Colonial School Board tonight approved a secondoperating referendum scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2013. Residents willbe asked to vote on a property tax increase of 35 cents per $100 of assessedproperty value (not to be confused with market value). Increased funds areneeded to maintain current operating costs, staffing, transportation, extra-curricular activities, academic, and technology programs, among other

initiatives.

On February 28, 2013, constituents overwhelming defeated a 47 cent taxincrease.With the vote, I am forced to make difficult and controversial choices to

sustain the financial ability to deliver a top notch education to ourstudents, says Superintendent, Dr. Dorothy Linn.

Effective immediately Linn has made the following mandates:

Cancelled annual Choral and Band Festivals Cancelled 5th grade orientation program to middle school Cancelled annual Retirement Dinner Graduation Ceremonies for William Penn High School graduates will

be held at the football stadium at WPHS instead of the Bob Carpenter

Center at the University of Delaware. Eliminated gratis graduation picture Bus routes for after school high school activities will be consolidated

7/29/2019 Referendum Cut 3-26 Revised

2/3

Practices for all sports have been reduced.If the June 4th referendum passes, Linn anticipates the following budgetcuts as a result of the failed February 28th referendum:

8-12 teachers 2 to 4 para-professionals 3-5 custodians 1-2 assistant principals 1-3 secretaries 1to 3 administrators/specialists

If the June 4th referendum fails, Linn anticipates the following deeper cuts:

59 teachers 5 para-professionals 8 custodians 4 secretaries 3 assistant principals 5 administrators/specialists

Programs to be cut if the June 4th referendum fails include:

Summer school Chinese Immersion program Expansion of World Languages program Bring Your Own Device (BYOD-laptops, smart phones, I pads etc.) WPHS Dual Enrollment (taking courses at Wilmington University) Middle and 9th grade sports Sports-students will have to pay to play; teams will travel to away

games without band front and cheerleaders.

Elimination of band and choral events, along with competitions All school and division budgets will be reduced

The district is currently operating under a $6 million dollar deficit due tostate and federal budget cuts along with rising expenses. The June 4threferendum is expected to raise $9.6 million dollars, but will necessitate $1to $2 million dollars in budget cuts.This is a painful time for the Colonial School District and our students,

Linn says. Classroom sizes will inevitably be increased and some exciting

programs that were in the planning stages may not be possible. Whileproviding the best education for our students remains a paramount goal,students also wont receive the level of programming that we, as educators,

7/29/2019 Referendum Cut 3-26 Revised

3/3

would like to deliver because the voters have spoken. We can only hope theJune 4threferendum passes to lessen the blow to our students and staff.

Every Student College and Career Ready!

The Colonial School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or deny services on the basis of race, color,religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or age.