The more Patty Maull thought about running for a seat on her school board, the more she realized it was the right thing to do. It was her chance to stand up and lead the push for better Cape Henlopen schools, much as she’d always advocated for her daughters’ education.

She sensed she could win, but in those early days she wondered: How does a hair stylist from Rehoboth learn what it takes to be a school board member? Where can a passionate parent go for a crash course in endlessly complex school systems?

“There were so many times I was like, ‘Oh, what am I doing?’” Maull said. “I felt like it was crazy to run.”

She found answers to those initial questions she had – and new ones that she didn’t even know she had – with First State Educate, which has been supporting aspiring school board candidates through the process since 2020. 

“They were always available to answer my questions, which was such a huge help,” said Maull, who would go on to beat out two rivals in her race for the Cape Henlopen board in May 2025. 

First State Educate’s strong conviction underlies their mission: That Delaware’s students deserve the best leaders, and that those leaders achieve the best outcomes when they are prepared, confident and committed.

“We’re empowering the community and building systems and processes where they can stand up and be part of the movement to make Delaware public schools some of the best in the nation,” said Julia Keleher, executive director of First State Educate. “We’re just facilitating success.”

From 2023 to 2025, First State Educate trained or supported nearly a third of Delaware’s school board members, in 16 of the state’s 19 districts. 

“In a way, we’re working to bring the public back into public education,” added Yvonne Johnson, a school board consultant for First State Educate.

And the public has a standing invitation to share in First State Educate’s resources, whether they’re running for a seat or not. Online discussion groups that are part of First State Educate’s “Knowledge Hub” let parents and community members stay abreast of such hot button issues as school taxes and safety.

It’s designed to keep Delawareans informed about their schools – but also to inspire deeper engagement and action.

“We encourage anyone who is considering running for their school board to take that chance,” Keleher said. “Just raise your hand, and we will be there to support you.”

Inside the Knowledge Hub, aspiring candidates can take online courses that give them a solid grounding in the complex world of school budgets to financial audits. There’s an entire section devoted to “onboarding” newly elected board members, smoothing their post-election transition, and giving them a boost of confidence and some critical knowledge.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said recently elected Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan. “That’s important, because the community has invested its trust and tax dollars to our care.”

The learning doesn’t stop once election results are in. The Knowledge Hub is open to everyone invested in Delaware’s schools — parents, educators, community advocates, and board candidates alike. Each digital badge or micro-credential recognizes real learning and leadership growth, offering flexible ways to showcase expertise and readiness to make an impact.

Each month, “Board Matters” sessions dive deep into the school system’s inner workings. And every Thursday morning, experts examine topics in depth on the “Leading Together” podcast.

“The Knowledge Hub is a great place for learning through fellowship, and sharing new ideas,” said Susan Sander, who earned a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board in May, and is already its vice president. “There is just so much to learn about the workings of a district, and the roles of a board member.”

Maull can second that notion – and vouch for First State Educate’s reliable support system. “Being able to pick their brains was great,” she said. “‘And it’s nice to have so much available through the Knowledge Hub, so I can go back if I’m confused about something, and find a course that helps.”

Even entire school boards are benefitting from First State Educate’s expertise and commitment. Mini-grants awarded by the organization are focused on giving boards the resources to strengthen governance, test new ideas, and model effective practices. FSE scholarships open the door for board members to get advanced training, and explore opportunities to mentor others.

“It’s all done to ensure that Delaware benefits from strong, informed, and representative leadership,” Keleher said. “When boards govern well, districts perform better. Better district performance leads to higher student achievement. And that’s what it’s all really about, our children and their futures.”

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