The Delaware Department of Education has launched a study into the state’s public education funding system.
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has been contracted to analyze current policy and make recommendations for improvements, with a focus on equity for all students. This team recently developed state-specific cost models for public education in Vermont and the New Hampshire Commission to Study School Funding. In total, the team has collectively evaluated and advised on school finance systems in 16 states and “examined alternative approaches to school funding in different states, simulated recommended funding allocations for each district in those states, and determined local tax burdens to achieve the recommended funding levels.”
Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said this work will help Delawareans decide the best path forward for the First State.
“Delaware’s school funding system is outdated,” Holodick said. “We know change is needed, but we must make sure the direction we pursue is the right one for our state. The work of this team will inform our state’s move toward a system that will best support all Delaware students.”
This work will include a comprehensive analysis of existing funding, comparative analysis with other states, include feedback of stakeholders and result in recommendations for improvements via a final report in November 2023.
Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006