Delaware
Gubernatorial candidates weigh in on reforming education in Delaware
2024 Delaware State of the State: New school buildings, early education programs, mental wellness, and more
New school buildings, mental health programs, early education, new investments and more from the 2024 Delaware State of the State.
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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
Slithery intruder makes appearance on beach
A huge snake was spotted making its way across the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Luckily, the reptile was not venomous.
It could be one of your worst nightmares.
You’re enjoying a summer day in the water when you feel something brush past your leg. You turn, and there’s a snake.
While the chances of that scenario playing out are highly unlikely, there is a good chance the waters you enjoy playing in are also inhabited by snakes.
The danger level might not be as high as Florida’s, but it’s still something to be aware of when you go into the outdoors.
Here’s a look at the snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware, according to worldatlas.com.
Nanticoke River
The Nanticoke River runs 64 miles from southern Delaware to the Chesapeake Bay, winding through marshlands, forests, and farmland along the way. The habitat is perfect for the Northern watersnake. The snakes are nonvenomous, but they will defensively strike if you corner them or try to hold them.
The Brandywine
This is where you need to be very careful. The Eastern copperhead is a confirmed and documented presence, and a small group exists at Alapocas Run State Park along the water near Wilmington. The snakes won’t chase you, but if you step too close or don’t see them, they will strike. You should watch your step near log piles and rocky outcrops.
Millsboro Pond
Millsboro Pond is the home to perch, black crappie and frogs, which is the perfect food for snakes including northern water snakes, plain-bellied water snakes, queen snakes and common ribbon snakes.
The Eastern copperhead lives in southern Sussex County, which includes the pond. However, sightings are rare. It’s something to watch out for when you are at the pond.
Lums Pond
The pond, located in Lums Pond State Park, has numerous varieties of snakes. However, the inlets and small islands are perfect for northern water snakes to bask in the sun. The snakes thrive on fish and amphibians and benefit from the surrounding forest and wetlands.
One snake to watch for is the ringneck snake. It has a mild venom and its teeth have trouble puncturing human skin, but for those with venom allergies, you should treat it like any other venomous species.
Trap Pond
Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park, is noted for its cypress swamp. The bald cypress trees and the tree’s root structure provide a great hiding place and basking spot for eastern garter snakes and northern water snakes.
Silver Lake
Located in Dover, Silver Lake is lined with trees and vegetation, making it a great place for snakes. The northern water snake is seen here, but eastern kingsnakes are also occasionally seen in the wooded areas of the lake.
Garrison Lake
Garrison Lake is a popular spot in Kent County for fishing and boating. The marshy areas and dense vegetation are perfect habitats for northern water snakes, eastern garter snakes and eastern rat snakes. The wetlands are attractive to snakes due to the abundance of prey and the availability of cover.
Red Mills Pond
Red Mills Pond, located near Lewes, has a rich biodiversity supporting numerous amphibians and small mammals, which attract snakes. Among the snakes you may see in and around the pond are the northern water snake, eastern ribbon snake and eastern ribbon snake.
Del lawmakers discuss bill requiring teachers work with valid licenses
The bill is a response to revelations a school therapist fabricated his credentials before he was charged with sexual abuse of a child.
Delaware Online/The News Journal won the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism for its reporting revealing hundreds of invalid teacher licenses in Delaware.
The work by reporters Kelly Powers and Esteban Parra led to lawmakers proposing a bill that would tighten licensing requirements for public school employees and penalize districts that retain unlicensed staff.
The judges cited the work for “meticulous and thorough reporting” and “a fair and balanced presentation of the situation.”
The A‑Mark prize honors excellence in watchdog and accountability reporting. It is backed by The A‑Mark Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit supporting investigative and unbiased social‑issue journalism, in partnership with the Maryland‑Delaware‑DC Press Association.
“The reporting from Kelly Powers and Esteban Parra reflects the very best of investigative journalism in Delaware – thorough, fair and impactful,’’ said Mike Feeley, executive editor of The News Journal and Delaware Online. “We are proud to see their work awarded with the inaugural A-Mark Prize in a highly competitive field.
“I congratulate all of Delaware Online’s award winners in this year’s MDDC Awards for their commitment to journalism that strengthens our communities,’’ Feeley said.
Delaware Online/The News Journal won a total of 18 awards May 8 at the MDDC Press Association’s annual conference.
The MDDC Awards recognizes news publications from Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For each category, a first- and second-place winner is chosen based on circulation divisions. A part of the largest-circulation division, Delaware Online/The News Journal competes against news sites like the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Banner and Washington Post.
Here is the list of winners, with links to the stories that took home the prizes.
Best of Show
- News-Driven Art or Illustration: Luis Solano, “American’s deadliest habit”
First Place
Second Place
- Feature Story: Non-Profile: Xerxes Wilson, “Why this Delaware prison is making tattooing part of its educational programming”
- Sports Feature Story: Brandon Holveck, Martin Frank, “Eagles’ Saquon Barkley’s historic season built on selflessness, generational athleticism”
- Local Column: Critical Thinking: Xerxes Wilson, “Broken bones, brick walls and searching for accountability”
- Sports Photo (Feature): Benjamin Chambers, “Delaware wins 61-31 against UTEP in Conference USA regular season finale”
- Public Service Reporting: Krys’tal Griffin, “While these Delaware riders depend on Paratransit, the service still lags post-pandemic”
- Breaking News: The News Journal staff, “Delaware State trooper killed by shooter prevented other deaths, state officials say”
- News Page Design: Luis Solano, “American’s deadliest habit”
- Page 1 Design: Stephanie Lindholm, “Musical haven in Delaware”
- Continuing Reporting: Kelly Powers, Shane Brennan, “Your property taxes are changing. What Delaware homeowners should know about new laws”
- General Website Excellence, The News Journal
What to know about jury duty in Delaware
Here are some tips and information about what to do when you receive a jury summons in the mail in Delaware.
A lawsuit seeking to represent all people locked up by Delaware claims that prisoners are routinely left to “marinate” in a high-concentration pepper spray.
The lawsuit filed May 7 in Delaware Court of Chancery seeks an injunction barring correction officials from using the spray until leaders enforce rules the lawsuit says require staff to decontaminate prisoners after they are targeted.
In interviews, state prisoners have frequently described officers’ use of so-called OC spray, a more concentrated form of pepper spray only available to law enforcement, as cruel. Prisoners say the spray is deployed unnecessarily, recklessly, frequently and causes intense burning on the skin and through the respiratory system.
“Imagine taking a glass bottle, smashing it up and grinding it up and snorting that up your nose, then times that by 1,000,” said a former prisoner, William Davis, describing being sprayed during a previous interview about a similar use‑of‑force lawsuit involving Sussex Correctional Institution. “I felt it burn for days.”
Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show OC spray — short for oleoresin capsicum — is used hundreds of times a year and is a frequent issue in Delaware prison lawsuits. The new ACLU lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of all Delaware prisoners and focuses on what happens after someone is sprayed.
The lawsuit claims officers routinely ignore training, policy and clear health risks by failing to properly flush and clean people after using OC spray. It argues the practice violates Delaware’s constitutional ban on “cruel” punishment.
Prisoners allege they were sprayed while handcuffed, naked or already subdued, including one who said officers sprayed him through his cell door while he was locked inside, and another who said he was forced during a strip search to touch his genitals and then his mouth after being sprayed.
In each of these episodes, the lawsuit states that prisoners were not properly decontaminated, some were left unattended, returned to a contaminated cell, left in clothes drenched in spray and some were not allowed to shower for a day or more after.
“Refusing to decontaminate prisoners is cruel because it subjects them to hours of needless suffering. Prolonged exposure is also potentially deadly,” the lawsuit states.
Delaware Department of Correction officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The allegations of the lawsuit are built partially on declarations from eight named plaintiffs in Delaware prisons. Additionally, it leans on video and deposition evidence from two other excessive force cases the ACLU is litigating on behalf of Delaware prisoners.
In those other cases, several officers have testified in depositions that they had not decontaminated individuals they sprayed and were unaware if others had, the new lawsuit states.
The lawsuit also cites Department of Correction training materials turned over in other lawsuits. Policy and training documents outline that OC spray is only to be used when no reasonable alternative is available, not as retaliation or punishment and in short bursts from a safe distance.
A training presentation describes the health risks of OC spray and says sprayed individuals should be moved to fresh air, assessed for medical conditions and repeatedly flushed and wiped to decontaminate them.
It notes that people who have been sprayed must be monitored. It underscores these instructions with a red skull and crossbones.
Other litigation: New lawsuit claims excessive force used by Delaware officers during September prison raids
In interviews, prisoners have reported that officers would “empty the can” in long bursts directed closely at their face. The named plaintiffs in the new lawsuit include asthmatic individuals who said they were denied their inhaler after being sprayed.
Besides pain, OC spray can cause difficulty breathing, gagging, heart distress and blindness. It can also induce a feeling of suffocation and helplessness, according to a department training presentation. Failure to decontaminate can cause blindness, respiratory failure and skin conditions, the lawsuit states.
If sprayed too close, the OC molecules can cause what’s known as “hydraulic needling of the eyes” where the spray causes lacerations, the complaint states, noting that multiple prisoners in other states have died after being sprayed.
The lawsuit also claims that officers deploy OC spray in numerous ways, which include a grenade, fogger, spray, muzzle blast rounds, as well as pepper balls fired from a weapon similar to a paintball gun.
One of the named plaintiffs was shot numerous times by a pepper ball gun, rupturing the globe of his right eye. A separate lawsuit filed on behalf of that prisoner was dismissed because he didn’t address written complaints about the episode through prescribed channels inside the prison.
Rather than seeking damages for federal constitutional violations, the lawsuit asks only for an injunction forcing changes to decontamination practices. And instead of following the typical federal-court path for prisoner-rights cases, it was filed in Delaware’s Court of Chancery — the state’s business court, where cases tend to move more quickly.
It names Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor as its lone defendant, claiming that the department has knowingly failed to follow its own policy regarding the spray’s use.
It also cites a deposition given by Taylor in other litigation in which she states there is no specific process for decontaminating those targeted with OC, that she hasn’t taken any steps to require officers to do so, and that she doesn’t believe there is an obligation to do so.
Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.
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