Delaware

Gubernatorial candidates weigh in on reforming education in Delaware

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2024

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Gubernatorial candidates weigh in on reforming education in Delaware

Five candidates for Delaware governor participated in an education forum on Wednesday.
The candidates took questions from leaders of the Vision Coalition of Delaware as well as public school students.
The candidates weighed in on fixing the funding formula, accessing other funds sources, expanding childcare and early education opportunities and more.

Changing Delaware’s education funding formula.

Investing in childcare and early childhood education.

Ensuring equitable resources across all schools and providing teacher support and professional development.

These were just some of the topics the five candidates for Delaware’s next governor tackled during an education forum hosted by the Vision Coalition of Delaware Wednesday evening at Polytech High School in Woodside.

PUBLIC POLICY FOCUS: From child poverty to education, here’s what experts say should shape public policy

Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and former Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara, along with Republican contenders Jerrold Price and state House Minority Leader Mike Ramone, who most recently filed his candidacy for governor on the Republican line May 6, were in attendance.

The candidates fielded questions from leadership of the Vision Coalition as well as students across the state of Delaware.

Here are five takeaways:

Fixing the funding formula

Most of the candidates Wednesday evening agreed the way Delaware funds its schools needs to change.

Delaware was sued in 2018 by Delawareans for Educational Opportunity and the NAACP over the First State being aware of deficiencies in resources provided to lower-income students, students with disabilities and multilingual learners.

In December, an independent assessment of Delaware’s education funding system recommended sizable changes, including shifting to a funding formula based on student needs, not resource-based units. In such a system, money would follow students with higher needs.

Hall-Long: “We’re going to have to move that funding formula forward for equity.”

Meyer: “We’re not measuring up today. If you go into schools in Wilmington and rural parts of the state with reading and math scores in the single digits. It starts with getting the funding formula right.”

O’Mara: “Look at the way Delaware reacted to desegregation and the lines that were drawn. We never increased funding and never changed the formula. We just have less and less funding for schools.”

Ramone: “Education funding needs to be modified. Education is supported very inconsistently. Delaware teachers should be at the top of the pyramid, not the bottom. Pay them what they are worth. Create an environment where we prioritize our children and the schools.”

Using funds from other sources

Candidates stressed that other avenues for funding for education and early childhood support must be explored.

The lawsuit over inequitable funding ultimately prompted a statewide reassessment of properties, which Meyer – who was part of the lawsuit as New Castle County executive – said helps school boards access up to 10% of new revenue every five years without going to referendum.

Meyer suggested making changes to the state tax code, which maxes out at a rate of 6.6% for everyone making $60,000 or more.

This makes Delaware one of the highest income tax states in the region for people making lower and middle class salaries. Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and even New York all have lower income tax rates for people who earn about $60,000 annually, according to the Tax Foundation data.

Meyer: “If a family makes $70,000 today, did you know they pay the same tax rate as someone making $70 million? It’s a moral imperative that we fix these things.”

O’Mara: “I do think the property tax assessment is going to be a piece of (funding sources). I also think we need to look at other funding sources, whether that be the tax code… also different revenues with excise taxes.”

PROPERTY TAX LAWSUIT: Wilmington asks to join lawsuit to force New Castle County property tax reassessment

Hall-Long: “Funding is absolutely paramount. I can tell you there are all kinds of things – sin tax funds (referencing future recreational marijuana sales as a potential revenue source).”

Ramone: “We have money in our government and we need to choose where the best investments are to get the biggest bang for that dollar.”

Price: “I agree with the assessment. Everyone is talking about spending millions of dollars. We need to go through our finances and see if that money is available. I can’t promise you something when the money is not there.”

Expanding childcare, early childhood education opportunities

Democratic gubernatorial candidates stressed the importance of childcare access and expanding early childhood education opportunities as between birth and the age of 5, “90% of a child’s brain is developed,” Hall-Long said.

Hall-Long: “Early education has to happen – we have to get there.”

Meyer: “We need heavy investment early.”

O’Mara: “Delaware is facing three crises: early childhood development, childcare and a lack of pre-K. Despite the investments, it’s still a fraction of what we need.”

Price: The Republican candidate pledged to help people if they seek help. “I can’t go into your house and tell you how to raise your children.”

ADDITIONAL FUNDING: Gov. Carney announces further investment for child care needs in Delaware

Ramone: “We’ve invested a ton of money in childcare and pre-K. Do we create an environment where we try to complement what we have in school systems with the private sector?”

Equity for children of all backgrounds, learning levels

Candidates stressed that fixing the funding formula is key to ensuring equitable investments for children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

This was also a sticking point in the recommendations out of the statewide assessment on Delaware’s education funding system and the lawsuit brought against the state.

Hall-Long: “Equity runs through everything that we’ve done… It takes more than one initiative. It’s not just money. It’s leaning in and making Delaware the strongest place to be for our children.”

Meyer: “We need to make sure the teachers we recruit, not only where possible, speak multiple languages, but also have a culture of tolerance. Our schools ultimately are a reflection of who we are as a community.”

O’Mara: “They are staffing classes based on the bodies in the class rather than the needs in the classroom. We’re trying to have staffing levels that match the needs of the students.”

Price: “I think a lot of resources are already there, they just have to be used… We have to get rid of the disruptive children – not get rid of them, just help them. Get them counseling. There are only two genders. Men will not be playing women’s sports.”

Ramone: The House minority leader pointed to ASPIRA Charter School as an excellent education model for English language learners. “They took a community, and now the community has a bilingual dynamic to it. They are learning English fluently, and they’ve brought the parents in.”

Providing mental health support for students, educators

In recent years, Delaware has passed legislation and earmarked funding to expand mental health support for students.

But even those who were in office during those expansions said more needs to be done given the trauma children carry into the classroom – regardless of age.

Hall-Long: “We have invested the most ever to ensure elementary and middle schools have those supports. We’re continuing to work to ensure that resource in high schools. We have a long way to go and it’s only going to be done with everyone involved in the room here.”

Meyer: “Kids are coming to school with baggage that we cannot see. As county executive, we are the only local government in Delaware that approved wellness centers (at schools). We’re also going to do things to support teachers’ mental health (like reducing class sizes) to ensure teachers remain healthy.”

EXPANDING SUPPORT: Delaware lawmakers confront worsening mental health crisis for teens with these new bills

O’Mara: Applauded the steps the state has taken so far to provide mental health resources in schools. “We need to do it for middle and high schools. Children facing massive trauma – it doesn’t end in elementary schools, it follows all the way through.”

Price: “A lot of this mental health started because the family structure broke down. We’re going to provide counseling, it’s already there. You can’t force people to get help if they don’t want it.”

Ramone: The House representative shared a story about a childhood friend who spent time at MeadowWood Behavioral Health Hospital, and later lived in a group home. “She went there and they focused on her needs. That’s what our education needs to do for our children with the smallest cups.”

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

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Delaware

Memorial Day weekend 2025 means cool Delaware festivals, concerts & fun

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Press Room

Memorial Day weekend 2025 means cool Delaware festivals, concerts & fun

Delaware offers a variety of Memorial Day weekend events, including festivals, concerts, and historical demonstrations.
The Poseidon Festival in Bethany Beach features pirates, mermaids, live music, and a costume contest.
Constitution Yards Beer Garden in Wilmington hosts live music performances throughout the weekend.
Other events include the Amish Outlaws concert, a Taiwanese dance performance, and the Buccaneer Bash.

Memorial Day is fun almost here, and the fashion police are already salty – because they’ll have to wait months before they can ticket Delawareans for rocking white after Labor Day.

As a heads up, make sure your pedicure game is strong this summer, since questionable toes in flip-flops or open-toe shoes? That could land you an indecent exposure charge.

As you rummage through your closet for the perfect Memorial Day outfit, here are some can’t-miss entertainment events in the First State where you show off your style over the holiday weekend.

Poseidon Festival 2025, Bethany Beach

The 10th anniversary of the Poseidon Festival is a four-day affair with pirates, mermaids, live music, a costume contest and more fun.

Highlights include a performance from the Caiso Steeldrum Band (May 23), sword demonstrations from Captain Jack (May 24 and 25), costume parade and contest where you can dressed as a pirate, mermaid or your favorite maritime creature (May 24), a summer luau show (May 24), United States Navy Band concert (May 25) and Memorial Day service (May 26).

The Poseidon Festival is held in downtown Bethany Beach (near Bethany Bandstand) from May 23 to 26. Visit townofbethanybeach.com/497/Poseidon-Festival or call (302) 539-8011.

Constitution Yards Beer Garden concerts, Wilmington

The New Constitution Yards Beer Garden is set to bring back live music over the holiday weekend starting May 23 with a concert featuring the Side Hustle. The other concerts include Bad Hombres (May 24) and Nicholas Ray (May 26). All three shows will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. With a new Wilmington location in a larger vacant lot at 308 Justison St., the upgraded Constitution Yards now has a beer garden that’s grown 20% to 25%, and about 35% of the lot will be a field for wiffleball, kickball and more, according to an April report from News Journal reporter Ryan Cormier.

Memorial Day weekend concerts will be held at Constitution Yards Beer Garden (308 Justison St., Wilmington) from 7 to 10 p.m. May 23, 24 and 26. Visit constitutionyards.com or call (302) 407-5192.

Amish Outlaws on the loose in concert, Millsboro

It’s an understatement to say that Delaware likes The Amish Outlaws. The band’s fans adore these Amish rebels, especially when they play Paradise Grill. For newcomers, the Outlaws are a cover band that wears Amish outfits. Some of the members grew up Amish before deciding to leave their community to join the secular world and play instruments. From rap to rock, these men cover it all.

Paradise Grill (27344 Bay Road, Millsboro) at 8 p.m. May 23. Visit amishoutlaws.com or call (302) 945-4500.

‘Amazing Taiwan’ event dances to Wilmington

The National Taiwan University of Sport Dance Company will deliver a performance that shows off a new, professional dance production that merges Chinese and Western dance, music and theatrical artistry. “Amazing Taiwan” brings expressive storytelling to life through a series of attractive vignettes. This 82-minute production is presented by the Chinese American Community Center in Hockessin.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m. May 23. Tickets are $47. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 652-5577.

Buccaneer Bash 2025, Bowers Beach

Fearless swashbucklers will sail to Bowers Beach for a peaceful adventure at the annual Buccaneer Bash. This free two-day festival is known to take seafarers back to the 18th century to experience pirate life through demonstrations, music, petting zoo, food, craft and modern vendors, and activities in downtown Bowers Beach.

Buccaneer Bash is held in downtown Bowers Beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 and 25. Free event. Visit Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash on Facebook or call (302) 222-6341.

Zerbini Family Circus comes to Smyrna

Long before social media took over, it was common to see spectacles. They were called the “circus” and often featured acrobatics, quirky animal acts and performances by clowns. This tradition lives on as the Zerbini Family Circus hauls their big tent to Smyrna for four performances across three days.

Smyrna Municipal Park (502 N. Main St. Smyrna) at 4 and 6 p.m. May 24; 3 p.m. May 25; and 1 p.m. May 26. Tickets start at $7. Visit zerbinifamilycircus.com.

Love Seed Mama Jump & more bands, Dewey Beach

One of the strangest band names on the planet belongs to the popular Delaware party rockers: Love Seed Mama Jump. The band is royalty in their hometown of Dewey Beach, and they’re set for a kingly performance in their neck of the woods on a Jam Session evening that includes The Gab Cinque Band, Triple Rail Turn, It’s All Good and DJ Knappy.

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 5 p.m. May 24. For more info, visit bottleandcork.com or call (302) 227-7272.

Hagley Museum fires the cannon, Greenville

Have you seen a live cannon fired? Even if you have, you’re probably overdue. Hagley Museum is known for hosting cannon demonstrations, which is something the average person doesn’t witness every day. These firings run through December. Hagley was recognized for the second straight year as one of the 10 Best Open-Air Museums in the country. Hagley was nominated by an expert panel and voted by USA TODAY readers.

Hagley Museum (200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville) at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. May 24 to 26. Admission is $10-$20. Free for members, and ages 5 and younger. Visit hagley.org or call (302) 658-2400.

We May Be Right: Billy Joel Tribute, Rehoboth Beach

Life’s a beach and this Billy Joel Tribute is looking to make a splash when they perform in Rehoboth. We May Be Right recreates the music of the Piano Man, which amounts to a deep bag of timeless hits.

Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (1 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 8 p.m. May 24. Free show. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or call (302) 644-2288.

Mike Hines & The Look storm Rehoboth Beach

Delaware party band Mikes Hines & The Look bring super-sized energy to the stage. The Delaware Rock & Roll Society inductees offer a colorful mix of R&B, hip-hop, pop, old-school funk, Motown and disco to the stage.

Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (1 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 8 p.m. May 25. Free show. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or call (302) 644-2288.

Kalmar Nyckel sets sail across Christina River + free deck tour, Wilmington

The Tall Ship of Delaware wants to take you on a sweet ride for one hour and 30 minutes across the Christina River on May 24 (9:30 to 11:30 a.m.) and May 25 (1 to 3 p.m.), followed by a free deck tour on May 26 (noon to 5 p.m.). As a heads up, guests interested in either sailing trip must arrive 30 minutes before the ship departs for a check-in, which is already built into the above sail times.

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (1124 E. Seventh St., Wilmington) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 24; 1 to 3 p.m. May 25; and noon to 5 p.m. May 26. Tickets for sails on May 24 and 25 are $25-$45 each. The deck tour on May 26 is free. To register and for more info, visit kalmarnyckel.org or call (302) 429-7447.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

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Delaware

Immigration cases increase 800% in Delaware under Trump’s enforcement initiative

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2025

Press Room

Immigration cases increase 800% in Delaware under Trump’s enforcement initiative

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware has filed 58 immigration and border security-related cases since January 20, representing an 800% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to federal officials.

This sharp rise in enforcement activity is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice to ramp up immigration enforcement, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and address violent crime.

As part of this surge, Delaware’s district office recently announced the prosecution of Wagner Rivera-Campusano, a 27-year-old Dominican national living in New Castle County. On May 13, he was sentenced to 30 days of probation for failing to notify federal authorities of a change of address, a violation of the Alien Registration Act.

Court records show Rivera-Campusano was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2023 and released on bail after providing an address in New York City. He failed to appear for immigration proceedings and was ordered removed from the country in absentia. Officials say sometime around September 2024, Rivera-Campusano moved to Delaware without notifying authorities, as required by law.

In April 2025, he was convicted of a drug felony in Delaware Superior Court. After his release, he was taken into ICE custody and federally charged for failing to report his address change. He faces likely deportation. Prosecutors noted any future illegal re-entry would carry stiffer penalties due to his felony conviction.

Federal officials say they expect the pace of immigration-related prosecutions to continue in the coming months as enforcement priorities remain a central focus of the administration.

The dramatic rise in prosecutions reflects broader federal policy changes under President Donald Trump’s second term, which has prioritized mass deportations and expanded immigration enforcement.

You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Search continues for Wendy Eaton 50 years after she vanished from Delaware County

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2025

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Search continues for Wendy Eaton 50 years after she vanished from Delaware County

It’s been exactly 50 years since 15-year-old Wendy Eaton vanished while walking in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Despite decades without answers, her family and police continue to seek answers.

On a warm and sunny Saturday back on May 17, 1975, Wendy, a sophomore at Penncrest High School, decided to take a walk into town. She left her home in Media on Moccasin Trail and headed toward Indian Lane.

Wendy never made it into downtown Media and went missing that day. Pennsylvania State Police said she was last seen at around 2:40 p.m. at the intersection of Indian Lane and Media Station Road in Middletown Township, only a few blocks from her home.

Police said she had stayed home that day while her family went golfing, planning to walk into town to buy a birthday present and a card for her older brother.

At the time of her disappearance, police said Wendy was wearing a yellow sleeveless terrycloth blouse, cutoff denim shorts, and white sneakers with a blue stripe. She may have been wearing gold-rimmed eyeglasses and possibly a class ring with a red stone.

According to police, Wendy is deaf in her right ear, has pierced ears, and is left-handed.

Pennsylvania State Police

Wendy’s family described her as a good student, musically talented, and active in church and scouting. They emphasized that she would never have missed her church choir rehearsal scheduled for that evening.

Her disappearance was classified as a missing persons case for decades, until 2021, when police revealed to NBC10 they were then investigating it as a homicide.

That same year, SkyForce10 captured exclusive video of police digging for clues at a home on Indian Lane.

It was 46 years ago when Wendy Eaton of Media, Delaware County disappeared. Now, investigators are calling the case a homicide and are digging for evidence in the woods behind a house close to where she was last seen.

Pennsylvania State Police have remained committed to finding answers for Wendy’s family and the community.

“Public assistance is vital in advancing cold case investigations like Wendy Eaton’s disappearance. Over time, new information, eyewitness accounts, or details that may have been overlooked can emerge, helping to break through investigative dead ends. Community involvement encourages witnesses to come forward and provides law enforcement with fresh leads that can reignite the search for answers,” State police wrote in a news release.”

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children shared an age progression photo of Wendy showing what she might look like today.