The State of Delaware Cut Millions to Education and Now They Want the Districts to Hand Over Additional Funds to Charter Schools

 

On July 14, 2017, the Department of Education sent a letter to the school districts informing them of the changes to the Match Tax for the 2017-2018 school year.  School district budgets are already in place and their boards have approved their tax rate for the upcoming year – they are required to set their tax rated by the 2nd Thursday in July of every year. This year it had to be set and voted on by July 13, 2017.

The state is pushing for the districts to give a portion of the Match Tax to charter schools. School districts have never handed over any portion of the Match Tax but this administration and the last administration seemed to be set on this new funding stream for Delaware charter schools.

The state just slashed millions of dollars in education funds and now this–who is pushing this? Governor Carney? Department of Education?

 

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House Bill 307 w/HA 1 (Teacher Reimbursement) was signed into law

House Bill 307 w/HA 1 was signed into law on June 9, 2016. This bill provides a reimbursement upon the applicant becoming a teacher in a Delaware public school. Below is a little background information about the original House Bill 146 which was signed into law last July 2015.

In 2015, I sponsored  House Bill 146, which enacted the one-time fee of no more than $100 for an educator’s first license in Delaware, House Bill 146.   Delaware was one of only a few states that did not charge a fee for educator licensure or for certifications.  Delaware processed approximately 10,000 applications for licensure and certification each year, in addition to other processing requests for current educators, such as plus credits.  Because of reciprocity agreements and the lack of license fees in our state, the Department of Education processes approximately one to two thousand applications per year from applicants outside of the State of Delaware who do not become employed here.  Establishing a $100 fee for new licenses will help deter applicants who apply because of the lack of cost and with the intent to seek reciprocity elsewhere.  This will reduce the processing burden and allow the licensure office to better serve the needs of Delaware’s educators.

 

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We have a new Secretary of Education, what do you think he should accomplish during the next 2 years?

Keep the Conversation Going!

I want to first say thank you to the teachers, parents, community members who voice their opinions and share their thoughts on educational issues, that is really the only way we are going to improve things here in Delaware. I know you can be discouraged and wonder if your voice is being heard. I can tell you, yes you are being heard. Keep speaking up, keep having conversations, demand change! There are people who are listening and who also want things to change. We have a new Secretary of Education who is going to be appointed next week. I know he will listen and be more visible. Elections are coming up, have conversations with your Representatives and your Senators; now is the time to get their attention and have your concerns heard.

I get texts, emails and Facebook messages all the time from people, not just in my district but outside my district, just sharing their thoughts, concerns or may just have a question. People just want to know that someone cares. Please do not lose hope, things will change, we just got to keep the movement going.

Don’t forget, if you would like something published, just reach out to me, it can be posted anonymously. There is a tab on the top of the main page, Contact Rep. Kim Williams, click on it and send me a message.

Take a deep breath, it is Friday, have a great weekend!

Governor’s Statement on Secretary Duncan Stepping Down

Governor’s Statement on Secretary Duncan Stepping Down

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell issued the following statement in reaction to today’s news that U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will leave his position in December:

“Secretary Duncan stepped into his role at a challenging time, when our changing economy means that the level of education and training our young people receive, from pre-school through postsecondary programs, is more important than ever,” said Governor Markell. “He recognized that we must improve the resources available for our schools to do their jobs, while doing more to hold our system accountable for serving all students.

“As a country we can be grateful that he never shied away from this hard but necessary work. As a Governor, I particularly appreciate his focus on challenging states to find new ways to increase opportunities for students, while providing unprecedented opportunities for us to implement innovative solutions through initiatives like Race to the Top and the Early Learning Challenge. His determination to get more of our youngest kids the opportunities they deserve raised awareness about the importance of high quality early childhood programs and raised expectations for what should be available to kids from communities that have long been underserved.

“During numerous visits to Delaware, Secretary Duncan showed a commitment to seeking out what’s working and what needs to be improved in our schools, and Delaware students are better off for his efforts. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family well in whatever comes next.”

Delaware and Consultants, Over Half a Billion Dollars has been Spent on Consultants in the Last Five Years

‘This is pretty good to prevent your money from slipping through your fingers!’

Delaware has spent over the last 5 years $640,730,221 on consultants. I am sure some of them are worthwhile and I am sure some are not. A large amount of consultants were contracted in education, health and social services and transportation. Education and healthcare are one of our most expensive ticket items in Dover.

• FY 2016 1,520 payments $13,554,397.49 (Periods 1 and 2)
• FY 2015 14,573 payments $111,720,958.43
• FY 2014 16,307 payments $119,309,174.68
• FY 2013 16,822 payments $127,061,222.95
• FY 2012 15,578 payments $138,288,534.23
• FY 2011 13,650 payments $130,795,936.69