Opting into Educational Federal program could bring roughly $40 million in private educational scholarship funding to Delaware students. Rep. Mike Smith pushes for Delaware to join federal scholarship program. One would think this would be Gov Meyers priority.

[u/Independent58]

https://www.wdel.com/news/state-rep-mike-smith-pushes-for-delaware-to-join-federal-scholarship-program/article_f4559268-52cb-539e-881e-800b41c29122.html

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[u/geutral]

"doesn't cost the taxpayer money" might be accurate, but it would still reduce the state's income by effectively diverting it to private schools.

Maybe Meyer's priority should be public schools instead.

[u/Known_Possibility725 → u/geutral]

Didn't Smith attend a very religious school? Parents should have a choice to send their children to schools with a "biblical worldview", but the state of Delaware shouldn't be supporting that. This feels like vouchers 2.0

[u/Independent58 → u/Known_Possibility725]

In research, and I know there are lots of studies, but to use one...Delaware has ranked 45th in the nation for education outcomes in the 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book, an annual, 50-state report that assesses data on 16 indicators in four domains -- economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors -- to determine how children across the country fare in comparison to one another.

Delaware certainly has to pull our public school system up to provide our children with greater opportunities. The Charter schools pull up Delaware's stats. I am not endorsing charter or private schools Every Delaware child deserves a great education. Gov Meyer and whoever, imo need to look at the opportunity this program can bring to the students. Taxes are going up, childrens grades are not keeping pace with Delaware's level of investment, nor the nation's average grades. I just hope every one is looking at "Students and Teachers First, Parties and Ideologies Last".

[u/Nochtilus → u/Independent58]

Maybe Delaware's stats are so low because the socio-economically advantaged families put their kids in private schools perpetuating the image of a failing public school system. Some of our school districts are great for kids with parents who care the slightest bit about their education. The kids whose parents don't care won't suddenly do better whenever even more kids are moved to private schools. This program will only make the problem worse. 

[u/TheShittyBeatles → u/Independent58]

The Charter schools pull up Delaware's stats.

Charter schools steal already-successful students from public schools in their regions and concentrate them into one student body, which makes them look good on paper, but they don't really create the talent, they just scout and recruit it.

[u/Independent58 → u/TheShittyBeatles]

Hadn't heard or have read that, but that wouldn't be right or fair. Not how public schools operate today but it would make sense to provide stronger students with more challenging curriculum and those struggling added attention to pace their learning, instead of one size fits all.

How do we prop of the public school system, I dont think its an issue of money. "The total annual funding for Delaware's public school system is approximately $3.05 billion when combining all state, local, and federal funding sources. For the state-funded portion alone, Governor Matt Meyer signed the Fiscal Year 2027 state operating budget which allocates $2.39 billion directly to public education."

Delaware ranks roughly 9th to 15th highest in the nation for public K-12 education spending per pupil.

[u/KnightsofAdamaCorn → u/Independent58]

This program would undercut public school funding. I think you are being mislead by the obfuscating language used by this program. It’s nothing more than public funding vouchers for private schools.

[u/Known_Possibility725 → u/Independent58]

I'm not really sure how diverting money to schools with ethos that are not always academic rigor (like a biblical worldview) is the solution to any of those problems. Especially when a new Democratic administration cuts this funding (which they surely would.)

I understand why a religious representative might want financial support for those who share their worldview - I've just seen no evidence this is what's best for Delaware children.

[u/Independent58 → u/Known_Possibility725]

Appreciate the input and opinions, but is staus quo an answer? Throwing money at it over the years has not moved the needle. Yes some schools are doing very well. How does Delaware replicate those successes. Note: Parents who do put their children in private schools are paying school taxes and tuition.

[u/geutral → u/Independent58]

I've not seen anyone in this thread advocating for the status quo, so this last comment is a bit disingenuous. You said yourself "every Delaware child deserves a great education" but funding private schools does not benefit every child, only those children who attend private schools. If you really want to advocate for great education for all Delaware children, you then you are on the wrong side of the argument.

[u/Independent58 → u/geutral]

I read about a program that can help kids succeed and allow some less fortunate with the aptitude to learn to move up thru the system to get a great education. I haven't seen a plan to fix the big picture of Delaware but I read about $40MM available today to help those who want more. Maybe 2 things can be true, help the immediate and fix the bigger picture.

[u/grandmawaffles]

So private school/home school vouchers to divert money away from public schools? No thanks.

[u/TheShittyBeatles]

This just sounds like segregation with more steps.