Delaware's Governor Invests Directly in Schools to Lift Reading and Support Teachers

Delaware’s education system stands at a crossroads. With literacy rates slipping and teacher shortages straining classrooms, the state’s new leadership is moving quickly to chart a different course. Governor Matt Meyer, in his first days in office, has outlined plans to pour resources directly into schools, prioritizing students and educators. The focus is clear: equip classrooms to help kids read and thrive, while ensuring teachers have the support they need to stay in the profession.

The stakes are high. Across the country, only about one-third of students read at grade level, and Delaware’s numbers mirror this troubling trend. For a child struggling to read, the path to success narrows early, locking in disadvantages that can last a lifetime. Meyer’s administration is betting that targeted investments, paired with a revamp of how schools are funded, can reverse these patterns and set a new standard for what public education can achieve.

Reading is the foundation of learning, yet national data paints a grim picture. The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress shows 40% of fourth graders and 33% of eighth graders score below basic reading levels, the worst in decades. Delaware’s students are not immune, with similar declines hitting hardest among those already falling behind. These gaps widen over time, making early intervention critical.

Meyer’s plan emphasizes getting resources into classrooms where they can make a direct impact. This could mean more literacy coaches, updated materials, or targeted programs for struggling readers. States like Louisiana have seen success with similar approaches, using early screening and evidence-based reading instruction to lift scores. But Delaware’s effort will need to be sustained and precise, as federal recovery funds dry up and the clock ticks on reversing pandemic-era learning losses.

At the heart of Delaware’s strategy is a push to overhaul its school funding formula, which many see as outdated. The state is exploring a hybrid model that blends enrollment-based allocations with extra support for students who need it most, like those from low-income families or learning English. This approach aims to level the playing field, ensuring schools in underserved areas have the tools to succeed.

Nationally, funding reform is a contentious issue. Research shows that a 10% increase in per-student spending over a child’s K-12 years can boost graduation rates by 7% and cut adult poverty risks. Yet, equitable distribution remains elusive. Delaware’s pilot program faces scrutiny over whether it truly meets the needs of high-poverty schools, where resources are often stretched thinnest. Community advocates are watching closely, demanding transparency to ensure funds reach the students who need them most.

Teachers are the backbone of any school, but keeping them in the classroom is a growing challenge. Nationwide, 1 in 8 teaching positions is either vacant or filled by someone without full credentials. Delaware is no exception, with turnover hitting hardest in schools serving low-income students. Meyer’s administration is prioritizing higher teacher pay, a move backed by evidence from states like Mississippi, where salary hikes spurred more people to enter teaching.

Pay is only part of the equation. Burnout drives nearly 90% of teacher vacancies, fueled by tough working conditions and limited support. Programs like structured mentoring, which New York has used to boost retention, could complement Delaware’s efforts. Teachers themselves are vocal, calling for smaller class sizes and more professional development to make the job sustainable. Without addressing these deeper issues, pay raises alone may not stem the tide of departures.

Delaware’s plans have sparked debate about how best to fix schools. Some argue for pouring more money into public education, pointing to data showing that sustained funding boosts student outcomes, especially for those from low-income backgrounds. They see Meyer’s focus on classrooms and teacher pay as a step toward closing opportunity gaps that have persisted for decades.

Others question whether more spending is the answer. Advocates for school choice and local control argue that competition, through charters or vouchers, could drive innovation without bloating budgets. They worry that new funding formulas might prioritize certain districts over others, leaving some communities shortchanged. Both sides agree on one thing: the status quo isn’t working, and Delaware’s students can’t afford to wait for solutions.

Delaware’s ambitious agenda is just beginning to take shape. The push to fund classrooms, reform school financing, and raise teacher pay signals a commitment to tackling systemic challenges head-on. Success will hinge on execution, ensuring resources reach the students and educators who need them most. With national literacy rates at historic lows and teacher shortages deepening, the state’s efforts could serve as a model, or a cautionary tale, for others watching closely.

For now, the focus remains on the kids in Delaware’s classrooms, who deserve a shot at a future where reading unlocks opportunity. As the state navigates these changes, one truth stands out: investing in education is investing in people, and the returns, though slow to materialize, can reshape lives for generations.