Delaware School Boards Can Claim Up To $2,000 For Local Governance Projects

School board members across Delaware have access to new funding to tackle specific operational challenges within their districts. The program aims to transform local issues into practical solutions that can be replicated elsewhere in the state.

First State Educate opened applications on Monday for its 2027 Capacity Grants program. Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to $2,000. The organization identified the deadline for submissions as December 1. A virtual orientation session for prospective applicants is scheduled for November 9.

The funding is distinct from traditional education grants that typically support classroom equipment or instructional programs. These awards target the governance work of the board itself. Eligible projects include efforts to improve how members evaluate district performance, engage communities, and make policy decisions. The organization requires recipients to document their processes and results so other boards can adapt the findings.

Previous awardees have addressed a range of topics. In the Cape Henlopen School District, Dr. Alison Myers used the grant for Science of Reading training to sharpen board oversight of literacy instruction. Y.F. Lou of the Christina School Board investigated emergency communications needs for multilingual families. Monica Moriak in Christina explored collaboration opportunities among New Castle County boards. Rita Hovermale and Timothy Banks of Woodbridge focused on kindergarten readiness and student participation in governance.

Lou, who serves as vice president of the Christina School Board and works as a first responder, noted that individual members often lack the budget to investigate complex issues on their own. He stated that the grant provided the necessary resources to conduct a tabletop emergency exercise involving students and staff. The project produced findings the board could use to refine its crisis response protocols.

The program includes support beyond the monetary award. First State Educate provides guidance to recipients as they move from initial concepts to implementation. The organization partners with Dr. James Bridgeforth of the University of Delaware to supply technical assistance. Recipients receive help with planning, reporting, and problem-solving. This support is intended to ensure that projects remain manageable and that success metrics are clearly defined.

Deliverables from these projects can take various forms. They may include training materials, community engagement protocols, templates, or detailed reports on what worked and what did not. First State Educate Executive Director Dr. Julia Keleher has described the initiative as a method for boards to move from identifying problems to testing solutions. She stated that stronger governance leads to stronger outcomes and that these projects help districts make decisions that reflect student and family needs.

Eligibility is limited to current Delaware school board members who participate in First State Educate activities. Applicants are encouraged to identify a specific issue with their superintendent and fellow board members. Topics can include board effectiveness, family engagement, student achievement, literacy, STEM education, and professional learning. Proposals do not need to be fully formed at the time of submission, as the organization will help refine plans for selected recipients.

Award notifications are expected between December 16 and January 5. Applicants can submit their proposals through a digital form and register for the November 9 orientation via a provided link. The organization maintains a website with additional program details.