Barb Hedges-Goettl is the president of the League of Women Voters of Sussex County.
Participate in our democracy! Voting for all school board positions in the state will be May 13 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In Delaware, you don’t have to be registered to vote to cast your ballot for a school board. A voter simply needs to bring proof of his/her school district residency, such as a driver’s license, a state ID or a piece of U.S. mail with his/her 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 one at-large seat in Woodbridge; one at-large and one District C seat for Cape Henlopen; and one District 1 position in Indian River. (No voting takes place for uncontested posts.) To find out your district, polling place and more about the candidates, visit vote411.org, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters information site.
The recent Cape Henlopen referendums on school funding and the past and upcoming (June 5) referendums 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 finances. Plus, recent changes to the national Department of Education intensify the importance of local school boards, not only in the area of funding but in all aspects of schooling. In addition to establishing and tracking districts’ budgets, school boards set the direction and goals for them. Boards determine policies and priorities related to those goals, set student performance standards, approve curriculum and school calendars, evaluate and/or hire superintendents, 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 graduates will be the next generation of workers for our economy. The quality of our educational facilities will affect the decisions of health care providers and other workers when they are deciding if they want to work here. The quality of schools affects our property values, as well.
The recent general election garnered over 90% participation. However, only 10% of eligible voters typically show up to vote in Delaware school board elections. Let’s change that! Your vote is your voice. Please vote for the future of Delaware on May 13.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
