DELAWARE. – The public education system in Delaware has been at the forefront for several years. Local non-profit organizations hope to address issues that plagued the system in 2025.

One local group, First State Educate, plans to rework many areas for the state. Executive Director Julia Keleher insists the mission is simple. “We’re empowering the community and building systems and processes where they can stand up and solve their problems. We’re just facilitating success.”

There are many areas of improvement in school districts, one being the disparity in local funding. Keleher believes this has caused a strain in the community.

“There’s local property assessment, so there’s local revenue, and that’s when the disparity comes in. That’s based on property value, and in more affluent areas, you’re going to get more revenue, and you create this have and have not system.”

She offers her solution to the problem; “We want high-quality public education. Inevitably, there will be tough conversations about what needs to be defunded or reallocated to increase spending. Especially if you don’t increase taxes to get more revenue, but nobody likes that conversation.”

These problems have caused a teacher shortage in Delaware. First State Educate will collaborate with local school districts to help with procedures.

“For districts willing and interested in working on policies related to teacher recruitment, the conditions of teaching and learning, and compensation.”

Keleher believes Delaware has a ton of potential. Groups like FSE and Rodel can change the state for the better.

“It’s manageable, there’s a million people, there’s three counties. There are around 145,000 public school students. There’s 202 schools, and approximately 45 of those are charter schools.”