Staffing & Organizational Structure:
Staffing and organizational structure decisions are core governance responsibilities that directly impact instructional quality, operational effectiveness, and staff retention. At First State Educate, we support school leaders in aligning roles, talent strategies, and organizational design to student needs so Delaware’s public schools are positioned for stability, strong performance, and long term success.
This page features national policy news and research related to school climate and discipline to help you stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging issues. Read the article summaries and access the articles via the buttons below. Explore current conversations, understand how other states and districts are approaching these topics, and consider how these insights may inform governance decisions in Delaware.
Virginia - Loudoun County School Board
The board is proposing to remove the 15-year cap on recognizing prior teaching experience when determining salaries for new hires to offer more competitive salaries and attract experienced educators.
Colorado - West Grand School District
The board approved the relocation of 7th and 8th graders from the K-8 building to the high school for the 2025–26 school year, creating a new K–6 and 7–12 grade configuration. The board explained that the change will help balance resources across facilities and better utilize staff licensed for grades 7–12.
Michigan - Onaway Area Community School District
During the first meeting with a new interim superintendent and board member, the board approved the formation of three new committees—extracurricular, personnel, and finance—to enhance oversight and operations within the district.
Colorado - Douglas County School District
The board unanimously voted to close three elementary schools by the 2026–27 school year, due to declining enrollment, financial sustainability concerns, and resource optimization. The board is planning to consolidate six elementary schools into three and move sixth graders from elementary schools into middle schools