Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Improve School Board Governance in Delaware
DOVER – Legislators unveiled a package of bills Tuesday aimed at improving transparency, governance, and public engagement in Delaware’s school board operations.
Taken together, the measures from Rep. Kim Williams, Rep. Cyndie Romer, Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, and Rep. Eric Morrison would ensure greater accountability and oversight for school board members while giving the public more opportunities to participate in school board meetings.
“Decisions made by school boards can have a lasting impact on our children’s future, so it’s important that our constituents have the confidence that their boards are operating with transparency and accountability,” said Rep. Kim Williams, Chair of the House Education Committee.
“I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on this legislative package, which I believe will address many of the challenges we’ve seen and help strengthen trust in our school boards statewide.”
HB 83, sponsored by Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton and Sen. Laura Sturgeon, would require school boards to offer virtual attendance options to school board members dealing with unusual life circumstances, such as illness, a public health emergency, pregnancy or immediate post-partum care responsibilities, or military deployment.
HB 82, also sponsored by Rep. Wilson-Anton, would set residency requirements for school board members, mandating that they reside in their designated area or school district for at least 75% of the days in any year-long period of their term. HB 82 provides an exception for military service.
The bill would also allow residents to bring an action to the Superior Court if there is reason to believe a member is no longer residing in the district, enabling the court to declare a vacancy.
“These are common-sense measures to make sure our school board members are engaged, present, and connected to the communities they serve,” said Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton.
“Over the past year, I have heard from many concerned constituents; these changes are a direct response to those conversations. I hope these changes provide residents greater peace of mind that their voices are being heard and their concerns are being addressed.”
HB 64, sponsored by Rep. Cyndie Romer and Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, would require school boards to provide an option for the public to remotely view and comment on school board meetings.
“It’s not always possible for every parent, teacher, or community member to attend school board meetings in person, but that shouldn’t mean their voices go unheard,” said Rep. Cyndie Romer.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve seen how virtual access has allowed more people to participate in important discussions, including in the General Assembly. This legislation will bring our school boards in line with other governing bodies and ensure that even if someone can’t attend in person, they still have the chance to view and provide input on the decisions that impact our schools and students.”
HB 85, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams and Sen. Sturgeon, clarifies that those appointed to a school board must undergo a background check and be deemed qualified by the Commissioner of Elections.
Under current law, both elected and appointed school board members are required to complete a background check, but it is not clearly outlined how the process works or who oversees it for appointees. HB 85 addresses this gap by applying the same standards to school board candidates in elections as those filling vacancies.
HB 78, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison and Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, would require school boards to undergo training on good governance topics, including the Freedom of Information Act, best practices for conducting meetings with proper rules of order, and the State Employees, Officers and Officials Code of Conduct. Under Delaware law, traditional and charter school board members are subject to FOIA requirements and the State Employees, Officers and Officials Code of Conduct
School board members are already required to receive training on topics such as special education and financial responsibility. This legislation also allows trainings to be combined, providing greater convenience for school boards and their members.
“Most Delaware school boards already offer these trainings but it’s important we make these trainings required,” said Rep. Eric Morrison.
“First, we need consistency across all school boards when it comes to the trainings their members receive. Second, school board members work very hard and they do not receive any financial or other compensation in return. It’s important we give them the tools they need to succeed and be the best in their position they can be. Third, members of the public should trust that school board members are trained on everything they should be.”
“These bills have the ability to advance critical reforms that will enhance transparency and accountability in our school boards,” said Sen. Laura Sturgeon, Chair of the Senate Education Committee.
“By ensuring greater public participation and stronger governance, we are empowering Delawareans to have a real impact on the decisions that shape our children’s education. The addition of these voices will reflect the values and needs of each community and create better environments for schools across our state.”
These bills come in the wake of numerous high-profile controversies involving Delaware school boards, including actions that have sparked lawsuits and eroded public trust.
All five bills have been assigned to the House Education Committee.