Voices & Vision: A Leadership Briefing to Shape Delaware’s Education Future
On June 17, 2025, Delaware’s education community came together with a shared purpose: to build a stronger, more equitable future for our students. Hosted by First State Educate, Voices & Vision: A Leadership Briefing to Shape What’s Next brought together state leaders, educators, and advocates to focus on the role school boards can play in moving Delaware from 45th to a top 10 education state.
Held in Newark, this powerful evening featured remarks from Governor Matt Meyer, Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, and Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, each reinforcing the urgency and opportunity for transformative change in our public schools. Their presence—and their commitment—sent a clear message: Delaware is ready to lead.
Centering Students and the Role of School Boards
The event centered on one powerful idea: school boards are key to student success. Conversations highlighted how local governance, when aligned with a clear vision and the right supports, can drive academic excellence, improve equity, and build trust with families across the state.
Attendees heard timely insights from:
Bonnie O’Keefe (Bellwether Education Partners) on how evolving federal education policies impact Delaware’s path forward,
Dr. Erica Freeman (Appoquinimink School District) on the need to modernize and empower school boards for 21st-century leadership,
Rob Rescigno (Vision Coalition of Delaware) on Vision 2035, the bold, statewide plan shaping the next decade of public education.
United for Delaware’s Children
First State Educate is proud to be part of a growing coalition that includes public officials, nonprofit leaders, educators, families, and business partners—all working in service of one goal: ensuring every child in Delaware receives a world-class education, regardless of zip code.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Capital One for sponsoring this event, and to all who joined us. Your voices, leadership, and commitment are essential as we build momentum toward meaningful, lasting change.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning.
To stay engaged, we invite you to join our FSE Knowledge Hub—a growing resource center where school board members, advocates, and families can connect, learn, and lead together.
Click here to join the Knowledge Hub
Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can make Delaware a national model for student success.