Putting the public back in public education.
Our Mission
To empower school boards to work collaboratively with the community and partners across the state, driving meaningful improvements in our education system for the benefit of all students.
Our Values
SHOW UP.
ACT TOGETHER.
SPEAK UP.
Be Part of the Conversation
Board Matters: Delaware Conversations is a monthly forum where Delawareans come together to talk about the issues shaping our public schools. Each session takes on a timely topic, from student achievement and attendance to funding, transparency, and family engagement, and brings voices from across the state into one conversation. By connecting data, lived experience, and board leadership, the series helps our community understand what’s at stake and how we can act together to improve outcomes for every child.
Thinking about your school board campaign and wondering how to hit the ground running?
Join us for: Board Matters – Launch with Confidence: Announce, Participate, and Gain Momentum
Join First State Educate on March 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET for a practical, step-by-step guide to launching your school board campaign. We’ll walk through everything you need to do to get started successfully, from making your announcement to engaging with your community and building momentum.
You’ll hear strategies to organize your outreach, communicate your message clearly, and participate effectively in local events. Former candidates will share insights on what worked, what surprised them, and how they maintained confidence while navigating the early stages of their campaigns.
This session is part of our 2026 candidate preparation series and is a perfect opportunity to gain clarity, build confidence, and take your first steps toward running a strong, community-focused campaign.
Board Matters: March 2026
March 12, 2026 6:00 pm via Zoom
Ready to Serve on Your School Board?
Delaware’s students need leaders who are prepared to listen, ask tough questions, and make decisions that put kids first.
Not sure where to start? Visit our School Board page to learn more about school board service.
If you’re ready to step up, FSE will provide the tools, training, and support to run and to serve with confidence from day one. Express your interest today!
Board First 2025
School Board Members Elected May 2025
Interested in Running?
Access Training
Attend an Event
What is your school board talking about?
Each month, we report on Delaware’s school board meetings with a summary of their most discussed topics and issues. Visit the blog to stay in-the-know:
Want to make a difference?
Community Ambassadors
The FSE Community Ambassador Program gives parents, families, and community members a seat at the table in school governance. Ambassadors serve as a vital connection between school boards and the communities they represent—attending meetings, gathering feedback, and helping ensure school policies reflect the needs and priorities of families.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport”
School Board Decisions Affect Every Delawarean.
Grants
FSE invests in the capacity of school boards and the leadership of those who serve on them.
Our Capacity-Building Grants give boards the resources to strengthen governance, test new ideas, and model effective practices.
Our Primo scholarships provide board members with advanced training and opportunities to mentor others, ensuring that Delaware benefits from strong, informed, and representative leadership.
Together, these programs build the skills and examples needed to deliver better outcomes for students statewide.
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FSE is launching a new mini-grants program to help Delaware school boards lead more effectively. These grants give board members resources to strengthen governance, build stronger connections with their communities, and address local challenges with creative solutions. The program also supports professional development and leadership growth, ensuring boards are equipped to make a greater impact for students.
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Funded by the African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware in honor of Quintin E. Primo Jr., this scholarship fully supports African American school board members in Delaware to complete a nationally recognized executive training in school board leadership. The program focuses on equity, strategic planning, data use, budgeting, and community engagement. Scholars will also serve as mentors and advocates for African American leadership in public education.
When boards govern well, districts perform better. Better district performance leads to higher student achievement.
When students achieve, the quality of life in Delaware is better for for everyone.
Nonprofits Leaders
School boards shape the partnerships, policies, and priorities that determine how effectively you can serve students. From facility access to collaborative programs, their decisions open doors for community impact.
School boards set curriculum standards, approve career pathways, and build the talent pipeline your industry needs. Their strategic choices today create the skilled workforce that powers Delaware's economy tomorrow.
Business Leaders
Families & Communities
School boards make decisions that directly shape your child's education—from what they learn to the resources in their classroom. These locally elected leaders set the vision and priorities that define your school experience.
Collectively, Delaware school boards steward billions in public education funding, making critical investment decisions. Their governance determines how effectively Delaware turns tax dollars into student success.
Taxpayers
Your Voice Matters. Get Involved Today
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY BRIDGE PARTNERS
