Empowering Delaware School Boards to Lead Change
School boards have enormous potential to drive progress, but too often, they’ve been left out of the innovation conversation.
That’s changing.
Through First State Educate’s Capacity Grants, school boards across Delaware now have the opportunity to test new ideas, pilot solutions, and strengthen how local governance supports student success. These grants provide boards with the resources and flexibility to lead, turning insight into action and modeling what community-driven improvement looks like.
From Ideas to Action: Local Leadership in Motion
Early interest in the Grants shows how much energy already exists at the local level. Boards are exploring projects that:
Improve communication and transparency with families;
Strengthen how boards use data to inform decisions;
Build community partnerships that support student outcomes.
When given the opportunity, local leaders are proving that innovation isn’t only for classrooms, it’s for boardrooms too. These efforts are shaping a more responsive, connected, and equitable education system for Delaware’s students.
Your Guide to Getting Started
Not sure where to begin? The Knowledge Hub offers examples, templates, and guidance to help school boards and community partners design strong proposals that connect ideas to real impact.
Looking for inspiration? Explore resources from organizations like Education Week and The 74 Million for stories on innovative governance and community-led change across the country.
Delaware’s progress depends on leadership at every level, and school boards are essential to that story.
Take the Next Step
If you’re a board member ready to lead boldly, or a community partner with an idea worth testing, now is the time. Apply for a Mini-Grant for Capacity Building and help shape what’s next for Delaware’s public education.
Learn more and apply today: firststateeducate.org/capacitygrants
Together, we can make sure every child in Delaware has the schools they deserve.