HB 83, sponsored by Rep. Wilson-Anton and Sen. Laura Sturgeon, would require school boards to offer virtual attendance options to board members experiencing unusual life circumstances, including illness, public health emergencies, pregnancy, immediate post-partum care, or military deployment.
First State Educate (FSE) supports this legislation as a practical and necessary step to ensure that board members can continue fulfilling their responsibilities without interruption during challenging periods. By removing barriers to participation, the bill mitigates the risk of inconsistent governance or underrepresentation and reinforces continuity in decision-making.
FSE can support implementation by advising districts on meeting policy revisions and offering training on effective hybrid governance practices that maintain procedural integrity. To fully realize its potential, Delaware should consider setting statewide best practices for virtual participation, including expectations for engagement, access to materials, and voting protocols. For residents, this bill helps guarantee that their elected representatives remain active and present, even when personal circumstances arise.
Ultimately, this continuity strengthens board performance and supports more stable leadership, which contributes to better outcomes for students and schools.
HB 82, sponsored by Rep. Wilson-Anton, would require school board members to reside in their designated area or school district for at least 75% of the days in any one year of their term, with exceptions for military service. It also allows residents to petition the Superior Court to declare a vacancy if a board member is no longer residing in the district.
First State Educate (FSE) supports this legislation as it reinforces the fundamental principle that elected board members should be active participants in the communities they serve. This bill addresses a key risk: the erosion of public trust when representation appears disconnected from local concerns. By establishing a clear standard and a mechanism for enforcement, it helps ensure accountability and transparency.
FSE can support implementation by helping districts and board candidates understand the requirements and providing guidance on appropriate documentation and communication with constituents. However, Delaware should also establish a consistent process for verifying and monitoring compliance, along with training on ethical leadership and board member responsibilities.
For residents, this bill strengthens confidence in their elected officials and affirms that decisions affecting their children’s education are being made by individuals with firsthand understanding of the community. Stronger, more connected governance contributes to more responsive policies and improved outcomes for students.
HB 64, sponsored by Rep. Romer and Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, would require school boards to offer a virtual attendance option for the public to remotely watch and comment during board meetings. While many boards already provide this access, HB 64 would establish it as a statewide requirement.
First State Educate (FSE) supports this bill as a meaningful step toward greater transparency and inclusivity in local education governance. It mitigates the risk of community members being excluded from important conversations due to barriers like transportation, caregiving responsibilities, or work schedules.
FSE can support implementation by providing training to school boards on how to manage virtual public comment effectively, ensure community voices are heard, and build stronger connections between boards and their constituents.
For residents, this bill expands their ability to stay informed and involved in decisions that directly affect their schools. That said, simply providing virtual access is not enough—Districts should also define best practices for public engagement, including guidelines for managing discussion, addressing input, and following up on concerns raised.
When boards are more accessible and responsive, trust increases—and that trust is foundational to productive governance, informed decision-making, and ultimately, stronger student outcomes.
HB 85, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams and Sen. Laura Sturgeon, clarifies that individuals appointed to school boards must undergo a background check and be deemed qualified by the Commissioner of Elections—a process already required, but previously lacking procedural clarity.
First State Educate (FSE) supports this bill as a necessary clarification that upholds the integrity of school board service. It mitigates risks associated with unclear or inconsistently applied vetting processes, which can undermine public confidence and lead to governance challenges. By formalizing how qualifications are reviewed and background checks are completed, HB 85 promotes transparency, equity, and fairness in the appointment process.
When implementation processes are unclear, districts can be left without representation—as was the case in Colonial, where a board seat sat vacant for over seven months due to confusion over who was responsible for managing the background check. This gap in leadership directly affects school board performance and delays critical decision-making. While FSE does not administer these checks, we support efforts that strengthen transparency and ensure all boards are operating at full capacity. Clear standards for appointments help ensure every district is served by a complete, qualified board, which is essential for effective governance and student-focused outcomes.
Still, Delaware should consider establishing uniform standards across all districts for candidate vetting, onboarding, and ethics training to ensure every board member is well-prepared to serve. This bill matters to residents because it affirms that individuals overseeing public education are qualified and trustworthy. When boards are made up of competent, vetted individuals, governance improves—and with it, the quality of decision-making that drives student achievement and district success.
HB 77, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison and Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, would require school board members to complete training on key topics including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), conducting meetings using proper rules of order, and the State Employees, Officers and Officials Code of Conduct.
First State Educate (FSE) strongly supports this bill, as it sets a baseline for essential knowledge every board member should have to govern responsibly and transparently. It addresses a critical risk: board members making decisions or engaging in discussions without a clear understanding of legal, ethical, and procedural frameworks, which can lead to conflict, community mistrust, or even legal violations.
FSE is already developing and delivering training on many of these topics and stands ready to support districts by offering accessible, high-quality training that meets the new requirements. However, Delaware should go further—establishing an ongoing training standard that includes not only compliance topics but also best practices in governance, budgeting, data use, community engagement, and student achievement.
For residents, this bill helps ensure that elected officials are not only well-intentioned but well-prepared. Stronger board training leads to more effective governance, more thoughtful policymaking, and ultimately, better educational outcomes for Delaware students.
This bill builds on important progress made in recent years by establishing a clear, consistent standard across public bodies, including school boards, charter boards, and the State Board of Education. In doing so, it enhances transparency and gives community members a reliable way to stay informed—even when they cannot attend meetings in person or virtually.
First State Educate has conducted an independent review of district policies related to FOIA compliance and public access to meetings. Based on that work, FSE is well positioned to support training that moves beyond simply restating legal requirements to focus on shifts in operational practice that promote greater transparency. This includes guidance on how to strengthen public trust through more accessible and responsive communication.
For families, educators, and stakeholders, these recordings are more than an archive—they are a tool for accountability, continuity, and trust. They allow the public to review decisions, understand board dynamics, and engage more meaningfully in local governance.
Importantly, this legislation strikes a reasonable balance by acknowledging that executive sessions should be excluded, and that technical issues won’t invalidate a meeting—ensuring practicality without compromising openness.
FSE also appreciates the clarity provided where FOIA and Title 14 requirements intersect. By ensuring that school governance bodies follow clear rules—and that those rules are public and accessible—we set a higher bar for public trust and informed decision-making.