2025 Delaware School Board-Related Legislative Updates
Staying informed about Delaware’s education legislation is critical for effective school board leadership and engaged community members. Below are the key bills passed during the 2025 session that directly impact school boards, governance, and education equity across our state.
Signed by the Governor
HB 82 w/ SA 1 (Signed on June 30, 2025) - Requires board members to live in their district for at least 75% of the year (exceptions for military service). Ensures representatives stay connected to the communities they serve.
HS 1 for HB 91 (Signed on July 30, 2025) - Expands access to school meals, supporting student well-being and readiness to learn.
HB 54 w/ HA 1 (Signed on August 20, 2025) - Establishes the Office of Suicide Prevention, aligning with the commitment to student mental health and well-being across Delaware schools.
HB 47 (Signed on September 2, 2025) - Strengthens student safety by improving background check processes for adults working with children in schools.
HB 85 (Signed on September 2, 2025) - Requires every appointed or elected school board member to complete a criminal background check within 15 days, handled by the Commissioner of Elections and the State Bureau of Identification.
HS 1 for HB 83(Signed on September 2, 2025) - Permits school board members to attend and vote remotely for specific reasons, such as illness, pregnancy, military service, or public health emergencies, ensuring boards remain active and functional.
HB 77 (Signed on September 2, 2025) -
Requires training for school board members, building capacity for effective governance and ethical decision-making.
HB 64 (Signed on September 2, 2025) - Allows the public to join and comment at school board meetings remotely, increasing transparency and community participation.
SB 91 (Signed on September 2, 2025): Requires schools receiving federal funding to have clear protections against sex-based discrimination and harassment, including provisions for staff and students.
SB 81 w/ SA 1, SA 2 (Signed on September 2, 2025) - Addresses equitable education by adjusting teacher salaries, supporting teacher retention and high-quality instruction.
SB 107 (Signed on September 2, 2025) - Adopts the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, increasing access to mental health professionals for Delaware students.
HB 29 w/ HA 1 + SA 1, SA 2 (Signed on September 2, 2025) - Updates Delaware public education profiles to provide accessible, accurate data for families and communities, supporting transparency and informed engagement.
Legislation Awaiting Governor’s Signature
HS 1 for HB 203 w/ SA 1 (Passed 6/26/25)
Promotes equity and inclusion in financial literacy for all Delaware high school students, empowering communities and addressing disparities in education quality.
Additional Bills Advancing
SB 106 w/ SA 2 (Voted out of Committee 6/11/25)
Regulates cell phone use in schools to support student focus and well-being.
HCR 76 (Passed House 6/30/25, sent to Senate)
Urges regulatory action on water bead toy safety in schools, advocating for safer learning environments.
Why This Matters
These legislative updates:
Strengthen school board governance and training
Improve public access and participation
Support student well-being, mental health, and safety
Advance education equity and teacher support
At First State Educate, we believe that informed, prepared, and connected leaders and citizens are essential to advancing quality public education in Delaware. We encourage board members and community partners to review these legislative changes and consider how they will shape local governance and student opportunities in the coming year.