Legislation Awaiting Governor’s Signature
SB 253 — Parental Notifications: Requires schools to immediately report any school bullying instances.
FSE supports efforts to strengthen communication, transparency, and family awareness around student safety and school climate while reinforcing the role boards play in establishing district expectations and accountability for safe learning environments.
Comments on Current Legislative Proposals
HB 267 — Literacy Screening and Reporting: Requires consistent reading screening, intervention, and public reporting for K-3 students.
FSE supports efforts to strengthen early literacy identification and improve the information boards and districts use to monitor student progress, evaluate interventions, and support accountability for literacy outcomes over time.
SB 302 & SB 303 — School Funding Modernization: Transitions Delaware toward a more student-centered funding model and continues the work of the Public Education Funding Commission.
FSE supports continued modernization of Delaware’s public education funding system and the creation of the accountability, reporting, training, and public transparency structures that boards and districts will need to govern effectively through implementation and ongoing refinement over time.
HB 78 — Public Meeting Recordings: Requires public bodies to post digital recordings of public meetings within 7 business days.
FSE supports efforts that improve public access to information and strengthen transparency, accountability, and public understanding of local decision-making processes, including the work of school boards.
Signed by the Governor
SB 106 — Student Cell Phone Policy: Requires districts and charter schools to adopt policies governing student cell phone use during school hours.
FSE supports efforts to improve student focus and school climate while reinforcing the role school boards play in establishing district regulations for conducive and effective learning environments.
SCR 147 — Delaware Libraries Recognition: Recognizes the 125th anniversary of Delaware libraries.
FSE supports efforts to recognize community resources that are instrumental in successful student outcomes.
SJR12— Juvenile Justice Education Transitions: Extends the Task Force developing recommendations for student reentry after residential placement.
FSE supports continued work to develop clearer, more actionable guidance that helps boards and districts support more consistent, coordinated, and accountable school reentry processes across systems.
Why This Matters and Our Prespective
Delaware’s 2026 education legislation places a stronger focus on transparency, accountability, and the role of school boards in shaping local policy. These updates expand public access to decision-making, elevate expectations around student outcomes, and increase coordination across state and local systems.
At First State Educate, we believe effective school board governance is essential to improving student outcomes. These changes create both new opportunities and responsibilities for boards to lead with clarity, engage their communities, and ensure policies translate into meaningful results for students.
First State Educate supports legislation that strengthens governance, transparency, and student outcomes:
Supporting transparency and clear governance roles:
HB 78 (meeting recordings) and SB 106 (cell phone policy) improve public access and reinforce the board’s role in setting clear, locally informed policies.Supporting accountability for student outcomes:
HB 267 (literacy reporting) and SB 253 (bullying notification) increase visibility into student needs and district performance, though strong implementation will be key.Supporting system coordination with clear expectations:
SJR 12 (student reentry) and HB 313 (DSCYF education services) address critical gaps in student support, but require clearer guidance on standards and transitions.Supporting funding equity efforts:
SB 227 and HCR 78 move Delaware toward a more equitable and transparent funding system, with important implications for local board decision-making.