More Than a Vote: Why School Board Elections Matter Even More in 2025

Delaware’s school board elections are coming up on May 13th —and this year, your vote carries even more weight.

With 28 seats up for election, these races will shape the leadership of our public schools for years to come. At the same time, lawmakers are advancing a package of bills that could significantly change how school boards operate—strengthening transparency, clarifying expectations for board members, and requiring basic training on rules, ethics, and public engagement.

At First State Educate (FSE), we support these reforms. They are long overdue. But here’s the truth: no law can replace the need for strong leadership.

The best policies in the world won’t improve outcomes unless the people making decisions are prepared to lead, listen, and focus on what matters most—students. That’s why these elections are so important. In 2024, fewer than 6,000 people voted in school board elections across the state. One-third of districts had no contested races. If we want our schools to reflect our values, that has to change.

FSE is here to help. We’re working to ensure voters have access to the information they need, and that newly elected board members have the training and support to govern effectively from day one. Our upcoming post-election boot camps and Knowledge Hub are designed to equip board members with the tools they need to lead with confidence and clarity.

Laws can raise the floor—but voters set the standard.

This spring, Delaware has a chance to do both: pass meaningful reform and elect strong leaders who are ready to serve. Your vote is where it starts.

Let’s raise the bar. Together.