April 29, 2026

Historic education funding changes proposed for Delaware

PEFC co-chairs Senator Laura Sturgeon and Marcus Wright at this week's meeting in Dover.

Delaware is closer to modernizing how it funds public education following a key vote this week by the Public Education Funding Commission (PEFC), marking a significant step toward a more student-centered system.

Governor Matt Meyer emphasized the urgency and importance of the moment, stating, “For far too long, our students have been given a broken school funding formula that distributes resources unfairly. Thanks to the hard work of the members of the PEFC, we have the opportunity to fix a system that is critical to the success of our schools. My administration looks forward to working with all members of the General Assembly to get this over the finish line and deliver a funding model that works for every student in every community.”

For more than 80 years, Delaware has funded schools through a model that largely allocates resources based on enrollment rather than student need. At the center of PEFC's updated proposal is a clear idea: where there is greater need, there must be greater investment. PEFC's recommended hybrid funding model aligns resources more closely to the needs of current students—particularly multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income backgrounds—while also giving districts and charters greater flexibility to respond to those needs where they matter most: in classrooms.

Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten reinforced both the significance of the vote and the work ahead: “With today’s vote to advance a hybrid funding formula, Delaware took an important step toward funding students based on need, not just systems built for another era. For too long, our funding model has not fully aligned resources with the realities students bring to school each day. This begins to change that. This is about people, not programs. It is about making sure students who need more support receive more support, and that decisions about how to meet those needs can happen where they matter most: in schools and classrooms.”

She continued, “But let’s be clear: a funding formula alone does not improve outcomes. What improves outcomes is how resources are used, whether they strengthen teaching, accelerate learning, and create real results for students. That is why this next phase must remain grounded in clear strategy, transparency, and accountability.”

The funding proposal closely aligns with DDOE’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which centers on improving student outcomes through clear goals, measurable progress, and increased transparency.

The commission’s vote now sends the proposal to the Delaware General Assembly for consideration. As the process moves forward, Marten underscored the importance of continued engagement: “As this moves to the General Assembly, the urgency continues. Delaware has a real opportunity to build a system that is more responsive, more transparent, and more focused on student success. I encourage families, educators, and community members to stay engaged. Public input strengthens this work and keeps it connected to the real needs of students across our state. Our students cannot wait.”

Students named 2026 Secretary of Education Scholars

Check out this video showcasing the students and their self-reflections.

Secretary of Education Cindy Marten has recognized 93 public school students from the Class of 2026 as Secretary of Education Scholars.

Gov. Matt Meyer and other state leaders joined Marten this month to celebrate the students during a dinner in Dover.

“Excellence like we see here tonight doesn’t happen by accident. It is built day by day, decision by decision into something remarkable,” Marten told the students. “You likely have or will receive many honors and recognitions in your life. Just know that this is one of the highest honors a student can earn in a Delaware public school, and we are here to celebrate not just what you’ve accomplished but who you are becoming.”

The scholars also are being recognized on a Scholars website to showcase their outstanding achievements. The website includes photographs, principal nomination statements and student narrative statements as submitted by the students.

The state has named Secretary of Education Scholars every year since 1984. The number of scholars from each school is based on enrollment. Principals nominate the students based on their academic records, school leadership and community service.

Appo H.S. receives Launch Into Your Future Spotlight Award

DDOE recognized Appoquinimink High School this month as Delaware’s 2025 Launch Into Your Future Spotlight Award winner, celebrating the school’s success in preparing students to take meaningful next steps following high school graduation.

Delaware Education Secretary Cindy Marten presented the school with the award in front of students and educators, highlighting Appo’s strong focus on helping students move beyond career exploration into real-world action. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, career pathways, and work-based learning, Appoquinimink H.S. is ensuring seniors are building clear plans for life after high school, whether that path leads to college, a career, an apprenticeship, or military service.

The work reflects a core priority in DDOE's 2025–2028 Strategic Plan: ensuring every student graduates prepared for what comes next. At Appo, that vision is already taking shape in classrooms and through student experiences that connect learning to real opportunities.

“Throughout my four years, many opportunities have been presented to me,” senior Gian Royer said. “The time that I have spent has prepared me significantly for my future and postsecondary career goals.” By completing 11 AP exams and earning 39 college credits, Gian will enter college with sophomore standing, already on the way toward a future in law.

In the healthcare sciences pathway, Giana Ruggeri found hands-on experiences that confirmed her career goals. “Exposure to the AP content has given me the opportunity to feel extremely prepared for my future,” she shared. From learning clinical skills in the classroom to volunteering at Christiana Hospital, Giana is building both the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in nursing.

Senior Jaavali Chittibommala emphasized how these opportunities extend beyond academics. “High school let me reinvent myself,” said Chittibommala, describing advanced coursework as more than academics, but an advantage for leadership roles and even a legal internship.

Across the experiences, a common theme emerges: when learning is connected to real-world application, students gain more than knowledge, clarity, confidence, and a sense of direction.

Appoquinimink High School’s recognition reflects a schoolwide commitment to ensuring students are actively engaged in experiences that prepare them for life beyond graduation.

PRO apprenticeship pathway strengthening educator workforce

PRO apprentices Tynetta Washington of Seaford School District (left) is featured this week on DDOE social media as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

DDOE in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor, is advancing the state's Paraprofessional Registered Occupation (PRO) as a key strategy to strengthen Delaware’s educator workforce, creating a more accessible, practical pathway into teaching.

The work is being highlighted during this month's National Apprenticeship Week from April 27-May 1. PRO is designed to address one of the most persistent challenges in education: how to bring more well-prepared teachers into classrooms while removing barriers that prevent people from entering the profession.

PRO creates a clear onramp for current paraprofessionals and recent Teacher Academy graduates already connected to schools and committed to working with students. Instead of requiring them to pause their careers or take on financial strain, PRO allows participants to earn a salary, gain hands-on classroom experience, and complete required coursework at no cost.

In its 2025–26 pilot year, PRO launched in partnership with Appoquinimink School District and Seaford School District, welcoming 10 apprentices who are now working full-time in classrooms while progressing toward certification.

“I believe in this program because it provides individuals with the opportunity to gain real classroom experience,” said Tynetta Washington, a Seaford apprentice. “It allows me to build the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful educator.”

What makes PRO especially impactful is its structure. Apprentices receive mentorship from experienced educators while learning in real classrooms while developing skills in instruction, classroom management, and relationship-building. Coursework is fully funded to include books and materials. Participant wages increase as they progress through the program. 

Over two years, apprentices complete PRO and transition into a teacher aide apprenticeship, continuing toward a bachelor’s degree and full certification. This extended, job-embedded model provides deeper preparation than traditional pathways.

“The nuances of classroom management, relationship building, and decision-making are best learned through hands-on experience,” said Mari Biscieglia, an apprentice in Appoquinimink.

"Ultimately, it strengthens both educators and student outcomes, making it a powerful investment in the future of education,” said Sharon Livingston, an apprentice in Appoquinimink. 

Programs like PRO reflect a broader commitment in DDOE's 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, particularly under the Safe, Supportive Schools building block. By investing in high-quality, accessible pathways like PRO, Delaware is building a pipeline of educators who are prepared, supported, and ready to meet the needs of students from day one.

National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8 this year, and it is a chance to recognize the educators who make Delaware’s promise to Start with Students. Build for Impact. real every day. Delaware’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan calls for strong teaching, stronger instructional support, and a focus on educator workforce growth and retention. Celebrating great teachers is part of this work.

Help us show appreciation for the amazing teachers in your lives by sending shoutouts to School.Appreciation@doe.k12.de.us.

Please include:

Shoutouts will be shared on our social media channels next week using #IloveDEteachers. If you post your own teacher tribute, please use #IloveDEteachers and tag DDOE.

Thank you again for your shoutouts to Delaware teachers!

Delaware Department of Education I education.delaware.gov