Participate in our democracy! Voting for all school board positions in Delaware will be held from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 13. In Delaware, you don’t have to be registered to vote to cast your ballot. Voters simply need to bring proof of school district residency, such as Delaware driver's license or state ID, or U.S. mail with their name and street address. The election is nonpartisan; that is, candidates do not run as representatives of any political party.
This year in Sussex County, the contested races are for an at-large seat in Woodbridge; at-large and District C for Cape Henlopen; and District 1 in Indian River. No voting takes place for uncontested races. To find out your district, polling place and more about the candidates, you can visit vote411.org, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters voting information site.
The recent Cape Henlopen referenda on school funding, and the past and upcoming (June 5) referenda for Indian River, as well as the attention of Gov. Matt Meyer to school funding formulas, reflect the ongoing needs and issues related to school funding. In addition, recent changes to the U.S. Department of Education intensify the importance of local school boards, not only in the area of funding, but in all aspects of education. In addition to establishing and tracking the district’s budget, school boards set the direction and goals for their districts. Boards determine policies and priorities related to those goals, set student performance standards, approve curriculum and the school calendar, evaluate and/or hire the superintendent, manage collective bargaining for employees, and oversee transportation and outside vendors.
The quality (or lack of quality) of our local schools affects us all, not just those of us with children. Local school graduates will be the next generation of workers for our economy. The quality of our schools will affect the decisions of healthcare and other workers when deciding whether they want to work here or not. The quality of the schools affects our property values.
However, only 10 percent of eligible voters typically show up to vote in Delaware school board elections. Let’s change that! Your voice is your vote. Please vote May 13 for the future of Delaware.
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