Putting the public back in public education.
Every Delaware student deserves an education that prepares them for a bright future.
At First State Educate, we work with school boards and communities across the state to make that possible. From training leaders to equipping families with tools and resources, we’re here to ensure every Delawarean can take part in strengthening our public schools.
Family & Community Members
Your voice matters. School boards decide how resources are used and what priorities guide our schools. We help you find information, understand the issues, and take action.
School Board Members
You make decisions that shape how schools serve students and families. We provide training, resources, and support to help you govern with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Nonprofits Leaders
Working collaboratively with school districts can expand your impact on students and communities. The Knowledge Hub gives you access to education leaders and peer organizations to share expertise and create new partnership opportunities.
Business Leaders
School boards influence school quality, career pathways, and the talent pipeline businesses depend on. The Knowledge Hub is where business leaders and boards align priorities, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen both schools and community life.
Ready to Serve on Your School Board?
Delaware’s students need leaders who are prepared to listen, ask tough questions, and make decisions that put kids first.
Not sure where to start, visit our School Board page to learn more about school board service.
If you’re ready to step up, FSE will provide the tools, training, and support to run and to serve with confidence from day one.
Board First 2025
School Board Members Elected May 2025
Be Part of the Conversation
Every month, First State Educate hosts open meetings on the issues that matter most for Delaware schools — from student achievement to board accountability. These sessions bring together board members, parents, educators, and community leaders for practical discussion and real solutions.
Board Matters: Delaware Conversations is a monthly forum where Delawareans come together to talk about the issues shaping our public schools. Each session takes on a timely topic — from student achievement and attendance to funding, transparency, and family engagement — and brings voices from across the state into one conversation. By connecting data, lived experience, and board leadership, the series helps our community understand what’s at stake and how we can act together to improve outcomes for every child.
Board Matters: October 2025
How can Delaware make the most of every education dollar? What do families, educators, and board members need to understand about district budgets? And how can we work together to ensure that resources are directed where students need them most?
At October’s Board Matters: Delaware Conversations, we’ll take on these timely questions. Join education leaders, board members, parents, and community members for an open dialogue about the choices districts face, the trade-offs involved, and the opportunities to align funding with student success.
This is your chance to listen, share, and be part of shaping the conversation about how Delaware invests in its future.
October 15, 2025
6pm via Zoom
When boards govern well, districts perform better. Better district performance leads to higher student achievement.
When students achieve, the quality of life in Delaware is better for for everyone.
The FSE Community Ambassador Program gives parents, families, and community members a seat at the table in school governance. Ambassadors serve as a vital connection between school boards and the communities they represent—attending meetings, gathering feedback, and helping ensure school policies reflect the needs and priorities of families.
Community Ambassadors
“Democracy is not a spectator sport”
Every Delawarean has a part to play. Tell us what matters to you.
Grants
FSE invests in the capacity of school boards and the leadership of those who serve on them. Our mini-grants give boards the resources to strengthen governance, test new ideas, and model effective practices. Our scholarships provide board members with advanced training and opportunities to mentor others, ensuring that Delaware benefits from strong, informed, and representative leadership. Together, these programs build the skills and examples needed to deliver better outcomes for students statewide.
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FSE is launching a new mini-grants program to help Delaware school boards lead more effectively. These grants give board members resources to strengthen governance, build stronger connections with their communities, and address local challenges with creative solutions. The program also supports professional development and leadership growth, ensuring boards are equipped to make a greater impact for students.
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Funded by the African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware in honor of Quintin E. Primo Jr., this scholarship fully supports African American school board members in Delaware to complete a nationally recognized executive training in school board leadership. The program focuses on equity, strategic planning, data use, budgeting, and community engagement. Scholars will also serve as mentors and advocates for African American leadership in public education. text goes here
Mission
Our mission is to empower school boards to work collaboratively with the community and partners across the state, driving meaningful improvements in our education system for the benefit of all students.
Our Values
SHOW UP.
ACT TOGETHER.
SPEAK UP.