School funding group’s first meeting Thursday, will set goals

A state commission created this year to develop a more effective funding formula for Delaware public schools gathered Wednesday.

But, the day was mainly a debriefing and dubbed a “professional learning day”, and the Public Education Funding Commission will have its first official meeting Thursday, per the agenda posted on the General Assembly website. 

Wednesday’s meeting was much of what legislators and education leaders already know: the education in Delaware is on the decline, and the funding formula for the state’s schools — which hasn’t been updated in about 80 years — takes some of the blame. 

From the money following units rather than students and student needs, to inadequate funding for vulnerable populations like Black and Brown students, students with disabilities, multi language learners, low-income students, to the challenges of poorer districts maintaining well-experienced educators, the group has plenty to digest and evaluate. 

Much of this is outlined in the and comes on the heels of a landmark, 200-page report  from the American Institutes for Research that suggests the state to invest $500 million to $1 billion more in education. 

RELATED: Adding $500M+ more into education likely matter for legislature

Senate Concurrent Resolution 201, sponsored by Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Hockessin and chair of the Senate Education Committee, ​​established the Public Education Funding Commission when it passed through the General Assembly in June.

It’s made up of 31 members, ranging from budget experts to legislators to education leaders.

Thursday’s agenda lists the main objective as “establishing goals for the commission and setting agendas for upcoming meetings.”

It runs from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and includes a “priorities and vision” portion, as well as the first opportunity for public comment with the commission. 

Watch the meeting here.