WHO WE ARE
Citizens for Delaware Schools exists to educate the public about the alarming state of Delaware’s public education system, its failure to educate the vast majority to read, write, and do math at grade level, and the rise in behavior problems in the classroom that prevents teachers from teaching effectively.
We also promote common sense, proven solutions that could help our kids.
Change occurs only when many parents and taxpayers of Delaware insist on better schools that provide academic instruction to children in a safe and supportive classroom environment. This means:
- parental involvement in their children’s education and upbringing,
- radical improvement in student academic outcomes, and
- policies that protect teachers and students from disruptive behavior and maximize instruction time.
WHY SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT
Most people pay virtually no attention to school board elections, which occur in May.
This function is so important on so many levels — children, families, future work force, and the nation — that it seems unconscionable for a community not to take an active interest in the workings and performance of the school board. But here we are in Delaware where the voter turnout in school board elections is a miserable average of five percent.
Yet, local school boards are the unseen decision makers in your child’s schooling. Effectively accountable only at the ballot box at election time, school boards members wield considerable power over the education and social development of children. While their primary function is to elect and oversee the superintendent, let’s drill down on what that includes.
Allocation and oversight of millions of taxpayer dollars.
Maximizing student outcomes to the highest degree.
Construction and maintenance of extensive school buildings and infrastructure.
Selection and implementation of curriculum and textbooks.
Ensuring the safety of students and teachers at school.
Promoting the involvement of parents and community in education.
Oversee personnel and human resource management.
They decide whether the superintendent is doing his/her job.
OUR VISION
Every Delaware student (K-12) receives an excellent education that includes advanced knowledge and critical thinking needed to achieve their maximum potential and success in life.
OUR MISSION
Create an informed citizenry about the state of education in Delaware and highlight policy solutions that enable kids to realize their full potential and lead successful lives.
FOUNDER
Nancy Mercante
Nancy built a strong career in corporate communications before leaving to work for better schools. She founded Citizens for Delaware Schools in late 2023 to show how the state’s education system fails children and to give parents and the public clear facts so they can demand change.
Nancy credits her teachers for pushing her to achieve more than she thought possible. She wants every child to have the same chance. She believes a student’s background or income should never limit their future.