Gov. Jack Markell (D)
Date of Speech: Jan. 23
Gov. Markell is urging Delaware lawmakers to ease rigid education funding formulas in order to give school leaders the ability to implement their own school improvement plans. “We should track their choices, measure the results, and see how we can best provide greater flexibility to more schools,” he said in his State of the State speech.
The governor also announced a two-year program in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering for 11th and 12th grade students, to roll out in the fall. He also proposed a scholarship program that would allow low-income high school students to take credit-bearing college courses.
As for teachers, the governor said he is “particularly focused” on supporting science, technology, engineering, and math educators. He also is working with the Delaware State Education Association “on an improved approach to educator compensation,” he said, and hopes to introduce legislation in the spring.
