Delaware Education Budget: Plan to Boost Test Scores & Funding Explained

Delaware’s new Education Secretary, Cindy Marten, has proposed a nearly $2.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year, a roughly 4% increase, as the state grapples with consistently low standardized test scores. The request, presented to lawmakers on Tuesday, is the largest of any state agency, driven by a funding model where the state covers 60% of each student’s annual education cost.

A Strategic Plan for Improvement

Marten unveiled the Department of Education’s first strategic plan in over a decade, outlining four key pillars: expanding early childhood education, supporting student well-being and teacher retention, improving student achievement and test scores, and transitioning to a new hybrid school funding formula. The proposed budget aims to address concerns over student performance, particularly in reading comprehension and graduation rates.

The funding request also accounts for rising personnel costs, including a planned $60,000 starting salary for educators, and a growing student population. The new hybrid funding formula, recommended by the state’s Public Education Funding Commission, would direct additional resources to schools serving large numbers of low-income or English-language learners. Details of the formula’s implementation are still being determined, with a target date of August 2027 for full transition.

Lawmakers offered mixed reactions during the budget hearing. Representatives Kim Williams (D-Stanton) and Charles Postles (R-Milford) praised Marten’s presentation, while State Senator Dave Lawson (R-Marydel) expressed skepticism, noting that similar promises had been made in the past without significant improvements in test scores. Lawson questioned what actions Marten would take if performance metrics are not met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total amount of the proposed education budget?

The proposed budget is nearly $2.4 billion, representing a nearly 4% increase over the previous year.

What are the four central pillars of the Department of Education’s strategic plan?

The four pillars are expanding access to early childhood education; supporting student well-being and teacher retention; improving student achievement and test scores; and transitioning to a new hybrid school funding formula.

What is the new hybrid school funding formula designed to do?

The new formula is designed to send additional dollars to schools with large numbers of students who are low-income or English-language learners.

As Delaware lawmakers consider this substantial investment in education, the question remains whether these proposed changes will translate into tangible improvements for students across the state.