Delaware
Delaware keeps failing our kids. It has to stop | Opinion
3-minute read
What’s still left to do after state legislature spring recess ends
Lawmakers will be out of the office come March 31. What awaits them when they get back?
Delaware looks prosperous on paper. Our GDP per capita ranks near the top nationally. But from 2000 to 2024, Delaware’s real GDP per capita grew just 1% — dead last in America. The national average was 37%. North Dakota grew 104%. Virginia grew 33%. North Carolina grew 26%.
That gap is the story. Delaware has been living off an economy it inherited while failing to build the workforce it needs for the future.
This is not just a school problem. It is an economic problem, a taxpayer problem and a leadership problem.
Delaware’s 2024 labor-force participation rate was 59.6%, the lowest since recordkeeping began in 1976. The state says it has more open jobs than jobseekers. In a state where government is the largest employer, headline numbers can disguise a weaker private-sector engine. In plain English: Delaware does not have enough workers with the skills employers need.
Delaware is failing our students
That failure starts early.
Only 26% of Delaware fourth graders read proficiently. As many as 45% score below basic. Eighth-grade reading scores hit a 27-year low in 2024. Only 34% of students in grades 3 through 8 are proficient in math.
When children do not learn to read, the bill does not disappear — it compounds. Delaware now has 54,000 prime-age adults who have left the labor force. State research estimates that costs us roughly $450 million a year in lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue. Every Delawarean pays twice: once when schools under-deliver, again when the consequences show up in corrections, homelessness, emergency healthcare, thinner tax base — and the dignity of a job.
Delaware spends about $20,577 per public school student — more than Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Let us stop pretending this is mainly a funding problem. It is a performance problem. Performance problems do not get fixed by writing larger checks to systems that are not held accountable.
To his credit, Gov. Matt Meyer has acknowledged the crisis. He declared a literacy emergency, launched the Delaware Early Literacy Plan, and backed new reading funding. Those are real steps. But Delaware has seen plans before, and the state’s own education leadership concedes that scores remain essentially flat. A one-point bump is not a turnaround. It is a rounding error.
Delaware does not lack plans. It lacks consequences.
Mississippi and Louisiana have shown the country what serious reform looks like. Mississippi climbed from 49th in fourth-grade reading in 2013 to the top 10 by 2024 — while spending less per student than Delaware. Louisiana went from last in 2019 to 16th in five years, and is the only state to fully recover from pandemic learning loss and surpass pre-pandemic scores. They aligned teacher training to the science of reading, adopted strong instructional materials, built transparent accountability and stopped pretending it was compassion to promote children who could not read.
The lesson is not about better messaging. It is about better systems, better measurement, the political will to keep going when resistance starts and more engaged business leaders.
Delaware’s stated goal is to raise third-grade reading proficiency from 38% to 53% by 2028. Fine. Who owns that number? Who is responsible for hitting it? What happens if they miss?
A target without a consequence is not accountability. It is public relations.
Will Delaware leaders commit to helping our children?
So here is a direct question for every governor, every legislator and every elected official whose name appears on a ballot: Will you stake your career on this? Will you commit, publicly and on the record, to being judged by whether Delaware’s children are measurably better off in eight years?
If that sounds like too much, consider what eight years means for a child. A third grader today who cannot read on grade level will be entering eleventh grade in 2033 — carrying the same deficit, the same narrowed future the data already predicts. Eight years is not an abstraction. It is the entire arc of a young person’s formative education.
Real accountability means public goals, quarterly reporting, named decision-makers and consequences for failure. It means a governor and legislature willing to say: here is the number, here is who owns it, here is how we will report it, here is what happens if we fail.
Mississippi was the poorest state in America. It decided that was not an excuse. Delaware is wealthier, smaller and easier to govern. We have even less excuse.
The excuses are exhausted. Delaware deserves better.
Ben duPont is a longtime Delawarean, a venture capitalist and a philanthropist. State Sen. Darius Brown represents the Second Senate District, which includes New Castle, Wilmington and Edgemoor.
TV, kickoff times set for 2026 Delaware football schedule
Blue Hens with numerous national TV appearances in second Conference USA season
The all-important recruiting game is sped up now that Delaware is a Football Bowl Subdivision outfit as it heads into its second season in Conference USA.
With the start of preseason practice still a month away, Blue Hens coaches have been busy watching future prospects show their skills during on-campus camps as they attempt to build future rosters.
At least 15 Class of 2027 high school recruits have already verbally committed to accepting Delaware’s scholarship offer as of June 30, according to social media reports.
Recruits are not officially part of the UD program until December’s signing period.
That list includes four players from Delaware high schools – Cape Henlopen quarterback Jameson Tingle, Middletown linebacker Mekhi Corbin and offensive linemen Mario Castillo from Red Lion and Game Medico of Salesianum.
Delaware Class of 2027 commits
Douglass Callihan, 6-0, 215, LB, Gilmer/Ellijay, Georgia
Charles Carpenter-Simms, 6-2, 200, DB, Dexter Southfield/Brookline, Massachusetts
Mario Castillo, 6-6, 290, OL, Red Lion Christian Academy/Bear, Delaware
Mekhi Corbin, 6-1, 210, LB, Middletown/Middletown, Delaware
Austin Farrell, 6-3, 265, DL, Iona Prep, New York City
Kodi Gbanite, 6-3, 250, DT, Livingston/Livingston, New Jersey
Cooper Hodson, 6-3, 310, OL, Providence Day School/Charlotte, North Carolina
Chase Hyacinth, 6-4, 220, DE, Eagle Academy, New York City
Gabe Medico, 6-5, 260, OL, Salesianum/Wilmington, Delaware
Darius Smith, 6-1, 170, DB, Millbrook/Raleigh, North Carolina
Ronny Taylor, 5-11, 180, DB, Jenkins/Savannah, Georgia
Jameson Tingle, 6-2, 185, QB, Cape Henlopen/Lewes, Delaware
Aaron Truedell, 5-9, 170, RB, Lakeland Christian/Lakeland, Florida
Charles Williams, 5-10, 170, WR, Bamberg-Ehrhardt/Bamberg, South Carolina
Anthony Willis, 6-2, 180, WR, Bergen Catholic/Oradell, New Jersey
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
DELAWARE – As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety this holiday weekend.
With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across the state, Delaware fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks. Further, with a drought watch declared statewide, DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout the summer.
“Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe,” said State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd. “A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation’s milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State.”
Fireworks: What’s allowed and what isn’t?
State Fire Marshal Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and other explosives are included in the prohibition. Further, any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code.
DSFMO also reminds Delawareans that it is illegal to purchase fireworks across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines; but, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.
However, certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on Independence Day. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following:
- Spinners
- Fountains
- Jumping jacks
- Ground blooms
- Handheld sparklers
These fireworks can be purchased by a person 18 years or older between Jun. 4 and Jul. 4. DSFMO urges caution when using legal novelties as even they can pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.
Firework Safety Tips
DSFMO offers the following tips to ensure that Delawareans celebrate the holiday safely:
- Follow proper safety measures when using fireworks
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby when lighting fireworks in case of fire or other mishaps
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Dispose of used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water located at least 10 feet away from any buildings for at least 12 hours.
Fire officials maintain the safest alternative to lighting your own fireworks is to attend professional fireworks shows. For a full list of fireworks on Delmarva, click here.
Delaware
Delaware on Main Street Program Grows as 17 Communities Earn National Designations – State of Delaware News
DOVER, Del. – On Monday, the Delaware on Main Street (DOMS) Program, operating within the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB), presented certificates of accreditation or affiliation to 17 downtown organizations on behalf of Main Street America.
The recognition reflects continued growth in the Delaware on Main Street Program, with two new organizations joining the network between July 2025 and January 2026 and two communities advancing to Main Street America’s highest designation level. Delaware now has six nationally accredited Main Street programs, up from four in 2025, representing a 50% increase in communities earning Main Street America’s top designation.
“I’m incredibly excited to see the growth of this program and so proud of the dedication, passion, and effort that each of these Main Street programs put into economic development and revitalization of their downtown areas,” said Delaware on Main Street Coordinator Anastasia Jackson. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve.”
The impact of Delaware’s Main Street programs extends far beyond recognition. In 2025, eleven Delaware on Main Street programs generated more than $306.8 million in local reinvestment, facilitated the creation of 421 full-time and 108 part-time jobs, and helped open 104 new businesses. They also completed 38 rehabilitation projects, 85 public improvement projects, and eight new construction projects. Volunteers contributed more than 29,293 hours to support downtown revitalization efforts.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce a list of designated programs that have committed to creating meaningful improvements to their downtowns through the Main Street Approach™.
These designations serve as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement. Main Street America’s 46-year track record of economic success and community building has created a lasting impact in communities across the country.
Certificates were presented during the quarterly Main Street meeting held at Middletown Town Hall on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The four programs receiving renewed accreditation are Downtown Wilmington Visions, Downtown Dover Partnership, Downtown Milford, Inc., and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. The two programs earning accreditation status for the first time are Cornerstone West CDC in Wilmington and Middletown Main Street.
To qualify for Accredited status, Main Street America’s highest designation tier, communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach™ and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
The remaining 11 downtown programs receiving Affiliate status are City of Harrington, City of Seaford, Clayton Main Street, Delaware City, Main Street Laurel, Millsboro Downtown Partnership, Milton Main Street, The Newark Partnership, Town of Elsmere, Smyrna Main Street, and Town of Georgetown.
To qualify for Affiliate status, Main Street America’s second designation tier, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
According to Main Street America, for every dollar invested in the operation of a Main Street program, an average of $21.73 is reinvested into its downtown and commercial corridor communities.
Together, Delaware’s accredited and affiliate Main Street programs are helping strengthen local economies, support small businesses, preserve historic downtowns, and create vibrant places where residents and visitors want to live, work, and spend time.
To learn more about the Delaware on Main Street Program, visit de.gov/demainst.
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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity
Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Division of Small Business
O: (302) 672-6840; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov
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