The Christina Board of Education approved a new referendum request at its school board meeting this week. The District’s first referendum failed to pass back in February, prompting board members and school officials to implement a freeze on all hiring and employee travel as it seeks to bridge a $9 million deficit.The new referendum goes before district voters May 27th - asking to increase the school tax rate by $0.37 per $100 of assessed property value over the next three years. The District also plans to permanently reduce spending by $1.8 million.
The request is 57 percent lower than the higher of two options offered in the February vote and closer to the 35 cents per $100 of assessed property value over three years approved by Red Clay school district voters in their february referendum.
The Christina Board tabled a decision on cutting staff positions, citing a desire to further engage district staff, the public and members of the Board.
Two Public Forums on possible budget shrinking options have been scheduled for April 9 at Bayard Middle School from 6-8 p.m., and on April 13th at Eden Support Services Center Cafeteria in Bear from 6-8 p.m.
