Brandywine School District’s referendum is successful, preliminary results show large support.

Brandywine School District’s operational referendum passed with flying colors Tuesday, preliminary results show.

The referendum, which would raise $15,625,549 in local revenue to support ongoing district operations, was successful.

Although this means the average homeowner will have a $181.75 increase in taxes for fiscal year 2025 and a $145.40 per year increase in fiscal year 2026 and beyond, the district’s residents were in overwhelming support.

With 9,256 total votes, the results show a vote of 7,059 for (76.3% of the vote) and 2,197 against.

The results must be certified by the Department of Elections this Thursday, Feb. 15.

Statement from Brandywine Superintendent Lincoln Hohler

“Dear BSD Families and Staff Members,

I am grateful to announce the successful passage of our operational referendum. This accomplishment is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated community, committed staff, supportive parents, and engaged students.  Your belief in our mission and commitment to the future of education in the Brandywine School District is truly inspiring.

I extend my deepest appreciation to each voter who participated in this crucial decision, recognizing the importance of investing in our schools. The funds secured through this referendum will enable us to continue our progress in the critical areas of curricular programming, safety and security measures, offer a wide variety of after-school and extra-curricular opportunities, as well as retain and attract talented educators.

Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and the shared belief in the transformative potential that high-quality educational experiences make in the lives of children. Thank you for your trust, commitment, and belief in the future of our schools.

Proud To Be 16 great schools and 1 strong community.”

Brandywine to hold election in Feb. to raise taxes

Originally published Dec. 11, 2023

If voted for, the annual tax increase for most Brandywine residents would be less than $200.

The residents of Brandywine School District will have the opportunity to vote for or against a raise in taxes at a special election on Feb. 13, 2024.

The district is seeking to raise $15,625,549 of local revenue “to support ongoing district operations.”

If passed, those that live in the district will have their local school taxes increased a total of 45 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

The average assessed value in Brandywine is $72,701, so the average homeowner would see a $181.75 increase in taxes for fiscal year 2025 and a $145.40 per year increase in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.

Here are some of the ways the district will use the potential revenue boost:

• Continued operations and operating cost increases
• Continued safety and security initiatives including additional constables
• Continued staff retention and recruitment including salary and employment costs and maintaining building-based substitutes
• Maintaining curricular and other instructional programming for students, including gifted, international baccalaureate, AVID and alternative education
• Maintaining extra-curricular programming including visual and performing arts, athletics and clubs
• Technology maintenance and repair including chromebooks and interactive classroom boards

The polls for the special election will be open on Tuesday, Feb. 13th, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Eligible voters do not have to be a registered voter for general elections, but must be a U.S. citizen and a Brandywine resident of at least 18 years of age.

Absentee ballots are also available here.

The Brandywine board of education is expected to discuss the election at its monthly meeting Monday night, which starts at 7 p.m. and can be watched here.

Polling places are Brandywine High School, Carrcroft Elementary School, Claymont Elementary School, Concord High School, Forwood Elementary School, Hanby Elementary School, Lancashire Elementary School, Lombardy Elementary School, Maple Lane Elementary School, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Mount Pleasant High School, P.S. DuPont Middle School, Springer Middle School and Talley Middle School.

Brandywine is just one of several districts holding special elections in the coming months to raise local revenue.

RELATED: Red Clay sets 2024 referendum to match state capital funds

Others include Appoquinimink, Red Clay Consolidated and Colonial school districts.

RELATED: Appo referendum Dec. 12; would increase taxes $435 yearly

Appo’s referendum is Tuesday.

Jarek Rutz

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz