Red Clay board member pushes transparency for Wilmington Learning Collab.

Christina first district to agree to join Learning Collab

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Christina School District is the first to sign the memorandum of understanding for the Wilmington Learning Collaborative.

Christina School District is the first to sign the memorandum of understanding for the Wilmington Learning Collaborative.

After five years of planning and months of discussions around the agreement, Christina School District’s school board voted unanimously Monday night to sign the Wilmington Learning Collaborative agreement. 

The vote came just after 9 p.m. Monday, two hours after the meeting started. 

“If in some period of time, all of our third graders can read proficiently at grade three, it will be worth it for me as your governor,” said Gov. John Carney to the board. “So thank you very much, we appreciate your support, and thank you for leading the way tonight.” 

The learning collaborative is a joint project initiated by Gov. John Carney’s office and the Delaware Department of Education.

 Its goal is to bring educational equity to City of Wilmington schools by focusing on improving student outcomes and empowering city students and educators.

After 20 minutes of public support for the collaborative and several board members urging that the vote shouldn’t be delayed any longer, the board finally agreed to sign the fifth version of the memorandum of understanding. 

The 20-page agreement was updated most recently on Sept. 30, and it includes the roles and responsibilities of all districts, government agencies, and members involved. 

Others have already taken note of the long-awaited vote.

First State Educate, a local education advocacy group, posted on Facebook, “Thank you Christina School Board members for taking a huge stand for kids with your vote for the Wilmington Learning Collaborative! This is a step in the direction of change: Wilmington Community leadership for Wilmington Schools.”

Vic Leonard, a board member on Red Clay’s school board, said he hopes his district will follow Christina’s lead when its board votes.

Brandywine’s school board is next to vote on Oct. 17, followed by Red Clay’s vote Oct. 19.

 

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