In building superior neighborhoods and communities, we need to consider bringing Delaware's education status up to par with neighboring states. We're competing for the best educational staff to draw families that prioritize a quality education for their children. We're proud to say Lewes is the First Town in the First State, but what have we done lately to keep that First State ranking? We all want to provide a first-class education for the next greatest generation. Heaven knows, we are leaving them with a host of environmental and infrastructure challenges to resolve. Yet, Delaware's public education spending for K-12 students is significantly lower than Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Maine. Delaware ranks No. 21 of the 50 states.
The average salaries of public education teachers are also lower than surrounding states, making it difficult to attract and retain teachers. Higher-ranking public school districts increase real estate value. Sussex County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. We will also need to build new schools and hire all of the support staff they require. Why is Sussex County Council against the creation of a school impact fee for new development in the county?
Yes, we have a silver tsunami of retirees swamping our state and bringing in record levels of real estate transfer tax. But all of us retirees require an army of support staff. There is a shortage of medical professionals, causing long wait times to get a medical appointment or forcing us to drive two hours to areas with a higher ratio of medical professionals for support. How many times have you seen restaurants and other venues close early or have reduced hours because there is a staffing shortage? Quality public schools that can compare favorably to surrounding states will help attract the needed employment levels to our area.
We know Sussex County has additional concerns other than raising the quality of public education. A thorough master plan that includes affordable workforce housing, public parks, bicycle trails throughout the county and adequate high-quality medical facilities is also needed to provide a good quality of life.
Let's vote for the candidates who understand our needs and put the good ol' boys out to pasture. This isn't a fairy tale. Building new schools and hiring educational staff are not free. They require an investment in our future, and the developers bringing in new residents should be carving out some of their profits to build the required educational support structure.
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