Every July, Your School Board Makes One of the Biggest Financial Decisions Most Taxpayers Never Hear About

July 9, 2026

by 38th Reporter, 38th District Republican Club

Most taxpayers probably don't realize that every July, the Indian River School Board makes one of the most important financial decisions of the year—setting the district's local school property tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year.

Unlike a school operating referendum, these annual tax decisions do not require a public vote. Under Delaware law, they are made by your elected School Board. However, taxpayers can—and should—let their Board members know what they would like to see before next July's vote, as this year's decision has already been made.

At the end of this article, you'll have an opportunity to participate in a brief poll and share your opinion on the future use of Match Taxes in Indian River.

This year, the Board considered several options that ranged from:

1. reducing taxes

2. keeping them the same

3. modestly increasing certain tax categories authorized under Delaware law, known as "Match Taxes."

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