Three, yes. 2, no.
So is Delaware's voting record this year. In February, nearly four in five Brandywine voters approved holding a referendum. Red Clay voters then loudly approved the operational and capital project requests by about 71% each, a day before the Colonials did the same.
In March, the two districts failed to ride the same wave. Funding requests for Smyrna schools were rejected with more than half of the votes against each request, and Cape Henlopen voters did the same at the end of the month.
After being denied in December and sending the district back to square one, Apokinimink is now working on the next part of its two-part request for more funding. This Tuesday, April 23, Mr. Apo will ask voters to return to the polls on revised operating and capital requests.
Cape also set the next attempt for May 21, reducing the previous request.
In this weekly roundup, we'll keep you up to date with these and other education updates you may have missed.
[Did we miss another good education story? Tell me about it: kepowers@gannett.com.]
Apokinimink school seeks increased funding again to avoid cuts
Last year, voters said no.
After the December vote, Superintendent Matthew Burrows told Delaware Online/News Journal that voters rejected the referendum measure, making it impossible for the district to keep up with “rapid” growth. Over the past five years, it has been about 17%.
He explained that the money will be used to build new schools, improve safety, invest in technology and increase teacher pay to increase retention.
Now, his district has a new opportunity.
The district will again voice its two-part request in a vote Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are voting locations on each school campus. Both have undergone slight changes, with one operating to maintain growth through teacher recruitment, safety improvements, and technology investments, and the other related to capital expenditures. , we aim to expand the facilities that serve our students.
Capital projects include:
- a middle school and high school On Summit Campus — scheduled to open in fall 2028 if plans continue
- Ann primary school Along Green Giant Road — expected to open by fall 2028
Operationally:
- Educator recruitment and retention
- school safety
- Operating expenses due to increase in number of registrants
- student device
For these requests, Appo is currently seeking an increase of 39.9 cents for every $100 of assessed property value. This is lower than December's 47 cents per $100. The Baslot project is no longer included. It also cuts about 3 cents promised to technology, including the full implementation of his 1-on-1 devices for all K-12 students.
Apo said $5 million in cost savings would need to be identified if Tuesday's referendum is unsuccessful. The cuts are likely to impact classroom support, after-school activities, sports and more.
Some of our southern neighbors are also going back to square one.
The Cape Henlopen School District has set its next voting date for May 21 and plans to try the referendum request again. The program now requires 39.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, a reduction from the previous request of 54.9 cents per $100.
last year:The Apokinimink referendum was the latest: Why school fundraising attempts keep failing
Delaware elementary school named national finalist in Harlem Globetrotters creativity contest
Creighton Intermediate School has been named a 2024 national finalist in the elementary school creativity contest sponsored by Jersey Mike's Subs and the Harlem Globetrotters.
According to a press release, the “court of creativity brought to you by Jersey Mike's Subs” is intended to encourage students to express their talents through projects related to the Globetrotters and basketball.
As a top 10 selection by the panel of judges, Clayton Intermediate was awarded a $1,000 donation from Jersey Mike's Subs. One grand prize winner will receive a visit from the Harlem Globetrotters by the end of the 2023-24 academic year.
Creighton students competed in March's “Mathality”, solving basketball-related math problems in a competitive environment that incorporated a classroom basketball hoop. We also hosted a teacher vs. student basketball game that was watched by the entire school.
“Ingenuity and creativity bring extra excitement to any activity, whether it's a Harlem Globetrotters live game or a classroom activity,” said Rich Hope, Jersey Mike's Chief Marketing Officer. Stated.
Education in Delaware:Initial report on city schools 'sparked outrage' in Wilmington Learning Cooperative
State appoints top high school senior as Secretary of Education Scholarship
Secretary of Education Mark Holodick recognized 93 public school students from the Class of 2024 as Secretary of Education Scholars last week. He and Gov. John Carney celebrated the scholars at a dinner in Dover as they achieved the highest academic results available to students in the state's public schools.
“Every student here has achieved incredible success in and out of the classroom, from exceptional accomplishments on school athletic teams to community service and school leadership positions,” Holodick said. DDOE said in a statement. Although you have time, you can still study and excel in your studies. ”
The state has appointed an academic secretary of education each year since 1984. The state now has a webpage online featuring all of these scholars.
Three schools earn Delaware Purple Star designation
The state's Purple Star School designation recognizes the school's commitment to supporting the “specific educational and social-emotional needs” of military-connected children, according to the Department of Education. This year, three schools were honored.
Those outfits were Caesar Rodney High School, Dover Air Force Base Middle School and First State Military Academy Charter School. Their honor came as Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Halllong signed a proclamation recognizing April as Military Child Month.
“We owe a debt to military families that can never be repaid,” Secretary Carney said in a DDOE press release. “Delaware was proud to join three Purple Star schools in recognizing their outstanding support for military-connected students.”
Education Secretary Mark Holodick explained that these children often face unique challenges due to family service. Parents and caregivers may be sent overseas or change schools frequently as they change stations.
Purple Star schools are required to have a peer transition program, a designated military liaison staff, and a designated web page with resources related to transition programs for military families and youth.
2nd and 3rd graders celebrated Arbor Day with volunteer activities.
Mount Pleasant Elementary School and Maple Lane Elementary School celebrated Arbor Day last week with more educational opportunities, including tree planting and a scavenger hunt.
According to organizer Delaware Garden Center, second and third graders had the opportunity to “get outside and learn about the benefits of trees and their importance to the environment.” Speakers also included DCH Interim Executive Director Carey Wiles, Rockwood Parks and Museums' Ryan Glover, and remarks from County Executive Matt Meyer.
It wasn't all fun. This outing from the classroom brought us back to the environmental curriculum.
DelTech degree:Delaware Tech to eliminate renewable energy degree program
Do you have a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity with a focus on education for Delaware Online/News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast. Contact me at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191 and follow me at X @kpowers01..
