Capacity Grant Recipient Spotlight
First State Educate is creating opportunities for school board members across Delaware to bring their ideas into action and share those ideas with peers. Through FSE’s Capacity Grant program, board members are supported in turning their vision into real, impactful work while building systems, creating opportunities, and strengthening governance. This work not only drives change within their own districts but also creates a shared learning network where school boards can learn from one another and grow together.
Alison Meyers
Strengthening Board Knowledge for Better Decisions
Alison Meyers is leading the way in building school board capacity around literacy. By connecting with higher education partners and bringing experts into board discussions, she is ensuring board members have a strong foundation in the science of reading. Her work focuses on helping boards ask better questions, understand assessment and long-term outcomes, and communicate clearly with families about curriculum decisions. Alison is creating a model where informed governance leads to stronger student outcomes and greater community trust.
Tim Banks
Elevating Student Voice into Action
Tim Banks is putting student voice at the center of leadership. Through student workshops, surveys, and upcoming roundtable discussions with administration, Tim is creating spaces where students are not just heard but engaged in shaping solutions.
His work bridges leadership development and real-world governance, empowering students while strengthening connections between schools and decision-makers.
Y.F. Lou
Building Preparedness Through Experience
Y.F. Lou is taking an innovative approach to board engagement by focusing on safety, communication, and real-world readiness. Through hands-on simulations and tabletop exercises, he is helping board members experience decision-making in critical situations.
By involving families and practicing communication strategies, Lou’s work is strengthening trust, preparedness, and collaboration across the district.
Rita Hovermale
Starting Strong for Student Success
Rita Hovermale is focused on one of the most critical moments in a student’s journey, ensuring children enter kindergarten ready to learn. After identifying gaps in readiness, she is working collaboratively with educators, families, and community partners to better understand and address early learning needs.
Through focus groups with teachers and administrators and partnerships with other organizations, Rita is gathering meaningful insights to align support for young learners and their families. Her work is grounded in the belief that strong starts lead to long-term success, and that preparation begins well before the first day of school.
Apply to Be a Capacity Grant Recipient
Are you ready to turn your ideas into impact?
The Capacity Grant program supports school board members who are committed to growing their leadership, strengthening governance, and creating meaningful change in their communities.
Bring your vision to life
Collaborate with peers across Delaware
Build solutions that improve outcomes for students and families