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.
Creating policies that ensure the safety of students and teachers at school.
Promoting the involvement of parents and the community in education.
They evaluate whether the superintendent is doing his/her job and have the power to hire and fire the superintendent.
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 what they can do to help kids to realize their full potential and lead successful lives.
FOUNDER
Nancy Mercante
Nancy Mercante spent years in corporate communications with major companies in finance, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. After leaving the corporate world, she joined the board of Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids, helping bring school gardens to Delaware schools.
In 2023, she founded Citizens for Delaware Schools to shine a light on how the state’s public education system is failing children and to push for real change. The group works to hold school boards accountable for academic results and recruit strong candidates who put students first.