WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced a $3 million grant award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This federal grant will support capital investments in the Delaware Innovation Space, a new mission based public-private partnership between the State of Delaware, DuPont and the University of Delaware, formed to accelerate science entrepreneurship and build a new world-class innovation community focused on growth and incubation of new business.

“We’re about supporting innovation in Delaware, and working with business and higher education to prepare our workforce, create good-paying jobs, and drive economic growth,” said Governor Carney. “That’s exactly what is happening at the Delaware Innovation Space, and why we have redesigned how our state does economic development to build on this model. Our partnership with DuPont and the University of Delaware will provide supports for early-stage science-based companies, give Delaware innovators the tools they need to build a business, and connect young scientists with leaders in their field. This grant will build on that work, and I want to thank Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester for their continued leadership on behalf of Delawareans across our state.”

“After losing thousands of jobs over the year to plant closures and layoffs, Delaware continues to find innovative ways to drive economic growth and opportunity – and the Innovation Space is a critical component to this recovery,” said Senator Carper. “The EDA has recognized that Delaware has a long history of scientific innovation, and this project will leverage their federal investment and use the resources of the University of Delaware and DuPont to attract, retain and grow new industry here. We must continue to find ways to grow our economy for the long-term, and this grant will help foster that innovation.”

“This money will allow Delaware to build on its strong chemical heritage for the future,” said Senator Coons. “With this EDA grant, we will help transform an impressive lab on the DuPont Experimental Station campus and make it more accessible for smaller companies to help fuel the future of our economy. This grant, combined with funding from the State, DuPont, and University of Delaware, will make Delaware home to one of the largest deep technology wet lab incubators in the country.”

“Small business incubators and accelerators are crucial to the future of Delaware’s economy,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The Delaware Innovation Space will provide an environment for small businesses to grow through STEAM education and research, as well as create good paying jobs here at home. This grant from the Economic Development Administration is an important investment in the Delaware Innovation Space and in building a 21st century economy in the First State.”

“EDA’s investment in support of the Delaware Innovation Space will be used to advance and sophisticate our capabilities to better support the needs of the emerging and high growth businesses that we are attracting from across the United States and beyond,” said Delaware Innovation Space President and CEO Bill Provine.“Sharing the innovative strength of Delaware in key markets and sectors from advanced materials, biotechnology, and health care with science entrepreneurs will accelerate economic growth that will sustain for decades, if not for hundreds of years.”

The Delaware Innovation Space is a vital resource in the scientific startup ecosystem and is a non-profit, public-private partnership that offers multi-dimensional, resource-rich support for scientific entrepreneurs at the Experimental Station campus in Wilmington, Del. The Delaware Innovation Space offers a centric location and proximity to world-renowned research institutions, global multi-national corporations and a thriving scientific start-up community.

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WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday met with the Christina Board of Education during a study session at Bancroft Elementary School to discuss a proposed partnership between the state and Christina School District to more effectively serve educators and students in Christina schools in the City of Wilmington. The following are excerpts from his remarks:

“I’ve lived in this city for 30 years. And it’s always been clear to me that as goes the City of Wilmington, so goes our state. Wilmington is our economic and cultural capital. Its success in many ways will drive Delaware’s long-term success. And so we need a city that is safe, with strong neighborhoods and good schools. We’re working with Mayor Purzycki, legislators, members of city council, businesses and the community service agencies to achieve these goals. Our efforts have to start with improving our schools, and doing a better job educating city children.”

“It’s clear to me that the most important thing we should do now is focus on making changes that will raise achievement levels for city children. That’s part of my responsibility as Governor, Dr. Bunting’s job as Secretary of Education and your jobs as school leaders and Christina Board members. We’re in this together. I’m here today, at the invitation of your Superintendent, because I want to partner with you to say ‘enough.’ I believe it’s time to begin intensive efforts to get our teachers, principals and students what they need in the classroom.”

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Governor John Carney
Full remarks to Christina School District Board of Education – October 3, 2017
*As prepared for delivery
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Thank Rick Gregg, members of the Board, Principals, teachers, parents and others present.

I’m here with Secretary of Education Susan Bunting and Dorrell Green. I appreciate the opportunity to address the Board in this workshop format.

I’ve lived in this city for 30 years. And it’s always been clear to me that as goes the City of Wilmington, so goes our state.

Wilmington is our economic and cultural center. Its success in many ways will drive Delaware’s long-term success. And so we need a city that is safe, with strong neighborhoods and good schools. We’re working with Mayor Purzycki, legislators, members of city council, businesses and the community service agencies to achieve these goals.

Our efforts have to start with improving our schools, and doing a better job educating city children.

One of the first things I did when I took office was ask Secretary Bunting to visit Wilmington schools.

I joined her on some of these visits. And while we certainly saw dedicated teachers and principals, what we saw by and large was very discouraging.

And when the proficiency scores for these schools were released this summer, we saw that they fell well short of what’s acceptable.

All of us, together, are responsible for doing better.

It was pretty clear to us that Christina’s portion of the City schools – Bayard, Stubbs, Bancroft, Palmer, and Pulaski – are in the most need of help.

Already we have taken steps that, I believe, will help our efforts in all city schools.

We opened the Office of Innovation and Improvement at the Department of Education, to focus state energy on these and other high-needs schools.

We created an Opportunity Grants program that, while not funded at the level that I want, will help identify proven practices for serving disadvantaged students.

We put basic needs closets in Wilmington schools, so students can have access to hygiene products, school supplies, and winter clothing, in a dignified way.

We’ve reestablished the Family Services Cabinet Council to better coordinate services to families and children, and to address issues of poverty that are impeding the success of our city children.

But we need to do much, much more, and that’s why I’m here today.

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We didn’t get here over night. And we could spend all day debating the reasons for how we got here. I know a lot of that history through my father who worked in the old Wilmington Public School District and through my many years in state government.

Some blame a lack of resources. Dysfunctional families. Inexperienced teachers. Weak leadership. Busing. Trauma in the home. Segregated neighborhoods. Too much testing. Not enough testing. Bad parenting. Education bureaucracy. Violence in the city.

Over the last few years the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission (WEIC) did a comprehensive study of the challenges, and came up with a plan to make changes. We’ve incorporated many of their recommendations into what I’m about to discuss.

It’s clear to me that the most important thing we should do now is focus on making changes that will raise achievement levels for city children. That’s part of my responsibility as Governor, Dr. Bunting’s job as Secretary of Education and your jobs as school leaders and Christina Board members. We’re in this together.

I’m here today, at the invitation of your Superintendent, because I want to partner with you to say “enough.” I believe it’s time to begin intensive efforts to get our teachers, principals and students what they need in the classroom.

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To that end, I’m proposing that the State, Christina School District, and Christina Education Association form a partnership that focuses exclusively on Christina’s city schools.

My vision is to spend the next few months talking as a group about what this partnership would look like, so that by the end of this calendar year we can sign a memorandum of understanding to work together to improve these city schools and the proficiency of the students. I want to be ready to put our new plans into effect by the start of the 2018 school year. This aligns with your Superintendent’s timetable for implementing change as well.

I think our partnership should address five main issues that I’ve heard over and over again as I’ve toured schools in Wilmington.

First, principals need more control over key decisions in their schools. I would like to work with you to give principals the leadership tools they need and the flexibility and autonomy over structural areas such as staffing/hiring, school schedules, and programs. To give them the resources to implement extended learning time, and to create other school conditions necessary to best meet student needs. As part of this partnership, the Office of Innovation and Improvement would work with principals and our institutions of higher education to provide principals with high quality professional learning, coaching, and support. The Department of Education, using state resources, would assist Christina School District in training principals to better use observations to provide effective feedback that will elevate instruction.

Second, educators in high-needs schools need more say in how resources are used. I plan to engage Christina’s city educators to ensure we are working in partnership with them, as they are on the ground every day working to improve student outcomes. I would like to work with you to empower teacher-leader teams at each school to partner with school administration on key decisions like working conditions, resource use, and school culture. The Office of Innovation and Improvement would work with our institutions of higher education and use the full expertise of the Department of Education to provide educators with professional learning that is relevant, consistent, and meaningful.

Third, we need to address the fact that student achievement rates at Christina’s Wilmington schools are among the lowest in the state. In partnership with DSEA and CEA, I want to create more flexibility for these schools to provide students with additional learning time, including vacation and weekend academies. Teachers would receive stipends for additional hours worked, supported by state funds and the redeployment of district resources. I would argue serious conversations, in partnership with the Christina Wilmington community, need to take place around building use. We are doing our students, educators, and taxpayers a disservice when we have half-empty school buildings — needlessly spreading resources thin.

Fourth, we need a plan to address the significant trauma students in Wilmington experience outside the classroom. I’m proud of the work already underway between the Office of Innovation and Improvement, DSEA, the Office of the Child Advocate, and community leaders to train staff to create trauma-informed classrooms. We need to double down on those efforts. I have already directed the Family Services Cabinet Council to work with City leaders to implement the CDC report, including finding a way to share data across state agencies about students in need. That work is under way.

Finally, we need to build systems to create meaningful, sustained change in Christina’s Wilmington schools. As part of a partnership with you, the Family Services Cabinet Council would launch a two-generation network to support infants, toddlers and adults, with the goal of breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Additionally, we ought to convene higher education institutions and create a pipeline to develop teachers and leaders ready to enter into our Wilmington schools. These efforts cannot be a flash in the pan. We need to methodically build systems that will endure.

Give principals a bigger say. Trust and support our teachers. Tackle low proficiency rates. Address trauma. Build systems. That’s what I propose we work on together.

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The partnership I’m proposing isn’t flashy. It’s not an education fad or sound bite. It’s about the nuts and bolts of educating children. It is a simple but intense effort to put the focus where I think it belongs — in the classroom.

Frederick Douglass said that “it’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” And that’s the choice we’re facing. We all have dreams for our children. But right now, we’re consigning far too many of our students to a life that no parent wants for their child. Every student we graduate who can’t do basic math or who can’t read or write, we’re sending into the world knowing he or she doesn’t have the tools to succeed. Doors are closing for these children before they even leave the third grade.

I believe, and I know you do too, that it would be immoral to let this situation continue this way.

So I’m asking you to form this partnership with us. Let’s take the next few months and work out the details. I’d like to hear your thoughts on what I’ve laid out, and on how you think we can work together.​

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awards $17.2 million project for Bethany, South Bethany, Fenwick Island

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester announced that next steps are underway in the long awaited beach replenishment projects in Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District has awarded Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company a $17.2 million contract and work is expected to begin after the New Year. The costs of the project will be shared by the federal government and the state of Delaware, and has been a priority of the Congressional delegation because it will help protect the homes, businesses and economy on coastal Delaware.

The beaches and dunes were damaged by strong storms, including a Nor’easter in October of 2015 and Hurricane Joaquin in January of 2016. The project will involve dredging 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from approved offshore borrow areas. The sand is pumped through a series of pipes onto the beaches of Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island and then graded into a dune and berm template designed to reduce potential damages to infrastructure, businesses and homes.

“Replenishing our beaches helps drive our economy by keeping our coastline accessible and accommodating for Delawareans and visitors. Delaware also is the lowest-lying state in the U.S., and beach replenishment helps us prepare for extreme weather events, sea level rise, and other effects of climate change,” said Governor Carney. “We are grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers for partnering with Delaware to ensure that beach replenishment for Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island both bolsters our coastline and helps retain its natural beauty. I worked as Delaware’s congressman to bring attention and resources to this project, and want to thank members of our federal delegation for their continued leadership on this issue.”

“We’ve learned that by proactively building up our dunes and beaches, they can stand up protect our homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure from the nastiest storms,” said Senator Carper, ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Delaware’s 21 miles of oceanfront are more than just sand and surf – they generate more than $6.9 billion in coastal tourism annually and 10 percent of Delaware’s workforce. We fought hard for this funding because beach replenishment protects not only our community but our economy as well.”

“Some of our most valuable natural resources we have as a state are our beaches,” said Senator Coons. “This is welcome news that we will replenish the coastline from Bethany Beach to Fenwick Island, and I would like to thank the work of the Army Corps of Engineers to see that the erosion would be a major problem not just for tourism but the natural habitat.”

“Delaware beaches serve as engines of economic growth and areas of relaxation not just for our state, but for people across the country,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The welcome news of beach replenishment in Bethany, South Bethany, and Fenwick this fall will ensure they maintain the necessary upkeep to prepare for future storms and preserve our miles of pristine coastline.”

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Governor, delegation call on Trump Administration to ramp up relief efforts in Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester on Friday released the following joint statement regarding relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:

“The devastation that has affected the lives of millions of Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is heartbreaking. These men, women and children may be thousands of miles away from Delaware, but they are our neighbors and we have a responsibility to help them recover and rebuild. The President has taken an important first step that temporarily makes it easier to ship aid and supplies to Puerto Rico, and we’re glad Congress has approved a first installment of disaster assistance, but there’s much more work to be done.

“The Delaware National Guard has deployed troops and flown two dozen relief missions, but we are ready and willing to do more. We have more guard units specialized in communications, engineering, aviation, security, medical, and heavy truck driving that are ready and eager to assist the emergency response efforts.

“We are committed to doing everything in our power to help, but the Trump Administration has the critical responsibility of taking the lead and activating the full force of the federal government to help these people. It must start by issuing a full disaster declaration for the entire island of Puerto Rico to ensure they can make use of all the assistance our country can give.”

 

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Providing C-130 Evacuation Transport and Staff Assistance

New Castle, Del. – Two Delaware National Guard C-130s and flight crews returned this week from a five-day mission assisting with hurricane relief efforts in the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While deployed, Delaware National Guard Airmen flew a total of more than 60 hours, transported 100 personnel, and more than 50 tons of cargo. These two crews remain on duty and on standby for follow-on missions.

One aircraft flew to Minnesota to pick up a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability package (JISCC, which is a portable, turn-key satellite communications system), a team of operators, military vehicles, and a pallet of equipment. This mission went to assist in Puerto Rico.

Another mission to assist Puerto Rico involved delivering vehicles, generators, emergency aid personnel, and medical equipment. This aircraft also evacuated about 40 people stranded in Puerto Rico, and transported them safely to Savannah, Ga.
“The National Guard has the expertise in supporting the Homeland, and this is just another example of citizen-Soldiers and Airmen at their best,” said Maj. Gen. Carol Timmons, Adjutant General, Delaware National Guard. “We are leaning forward as much as possible. We have hundreds of troops who are prepared and eager to answer the call.”

However, the Delaware National Guard cannot unilaterally send support. This is a nationally coordinated response and Delaware can only be tasked by the National Guard Bureau (NGB), using federal funds, or through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), using state funds. The Delaware National Guard is in close communication with NGB for federal taskings, and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency for support through EMAC.

“Our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico are suffering, and Delaware continues to stand ready to assist them,” said Governor John Carney. “We will continue to look for ways to send needed resources and personnel to help our fellow citizens in need. Thank you to members of our Delaware National Guard for their important service.”

For the past month, tens of thousands of Citizen-Soldiers, Airmen, and women have answered the call in supporting the homeland – and Delaware is a strong partner. Since the end of August, about 50 Delaware National Guardsmen and women have deployed to support the relief effort.

 

At the end of August, the Delaware National Guard sent about a dozen Soldiers and Airmen to the National Guard Bureau to assist in staffing the NGB Joint Operations Center. These positions include experts in communications, operations, intelligence, logistics, and public affairs. We also launched a C-130 and flight crew to Texas. That team flew 11 sorties, transported 31 emergency aid personnel, more than 24 tons of cargo, and evacuated 183 people to safety.

 

On Labor Day Weekend, we deployed a team from our 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron via C-130 aircraft to help in Texas. This team is comprised of flight nurses, aeromedical evacuation technicians, and a health services administrator. Fortunately, the team was not needed for any medical emergencies and returned home safely.

 

We currently have about 30 on duty and hundreds ready to support engineering, aviation, communications, transportation, vehicle and equipment maintenance, security, and medical needs.

 

* Please take a look at our Facebook page (Delaware National Guard) and our Instagram (#Delawarenationalguard) to view photos both the devastation and support efforts in Texas and the Caribbean. These photos are released and available for media use. We will continue to provide updates, and continue to post photos on our social media sites.

 

** Delaware National Guard will continue to provide updates as the event continues.

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