Why Your Vote Matters: Delaware’s 2025 School Board Elections
School board elections are happening across Delaware this spring—but unless more Delawareans show up to vote, we risk missing out on a key opportunity to shape the future of our public schools.
In 2024, fewer than 6,000 people voted in school board elections across the entire state. That’s less than 1% of Delaware’s population making decisions that directly impact more than 140,000 students.
And this year, the stakes are even higher.
There are only 18 contested school board races and 28 open seats. That means that in one-third of districts, the one candidate who filed to run will be automatically be appointed to the board without voters having a say. With so few contested races and historically low turnout, it's clear that we have a civic participation gap when it comes to our local school boards.
So why does this matter?
Because school boards make big decisions that affect students, families, and communities. School boards help determine district budgets, set policies, evaluate superintendents, and make decisions about school facilities, programs, and priorities. These are the leaders who decide how our tax dollars are spent on education—and whether schools are equipped to meet the needs of every child.
Yet, despite the enormous influence school boards have, many people don’t know who represents them—or how those representatives got into office.
At First State Educate (FSE), we believe that school board elections should be competitive, visible, and taken seriously. We’re working to ensure voters have the information they need to make informed choices, and that candidates are prepared to govern effectively once elected.
But we can’t do it alone. We need Delawareans to show up and vote.
Here’s what you can do:
Find out about the open seats in your school district. If you live in one of the 18 districts with a race, your vote is your voice.
Learn about the candidates. FSE will be sharing nonpartisan resources on our Candidates Page to help you understand where candidates stand on key issues.
Spread the word. Talk to your neighbors, friends, and coworkers. School board elections often fly under the radar—your voice can help others realize what’s at stake.
Sign up to join our Knowledge Hub - which will launch in April 2025, to have a unique opportunity to engage with fellow voters and candidates.
School board elections may not grab headlines, but they are among the most powerful tools we have to shape our education system. If we want great schools, strong communities, and better outcomes for students, it starts at the ballot box.
Let’s change the story this year. Vote in the 2025 Delaware school board elections—and encourage others to do the same.