A Sussex Central High alum has filed a lawsuit against school admins and the district.

Sussex Central student whose breast was exposed during fight files lawsuit

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

A former Sussex Central High School student is suing its principal and assistant principal, saying they invaded her privacy and caused emotional distress by repeatedly showing a video of her bare breast, exposed during a fight, and creating a meme of it. Aniya Harmon, 18, graduated from the school in May. She is suing the school, Indian River School District, …

Indian River placed multiple staff members on administrative leave in May.

Indian River admin breaks silence after secretive suspension

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The suspension of Sussex Central High School’s principal was politically motivated and followed after a fight at the school during which a student’s breast was exposed, his lawyer says. Bradley Layfield appears to have been suspended because he showed a video of the fight to multiple teachers, school officials and state police officers that day.  All of those viewings were …

Teacher absenteeism is affecting different districts in unique ways.

Teacher absenteeism calls for staff flexibility, strategies

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

A human resources director for the largest school district in Sussex County shocked a House Education Committee hearing in April when she told them about 300 of its 1,000 educators are off on any given school day. About 800 of those educators are teachers, and their absenteeism rains down problems for the district, said Celeste Bunting, director of human resources …

Police are conducting a criminal investigation at Sussex Central High School.

State police: Criminal investigation at Sussex Central High

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Some new details are coming to light about Indian River School District’s decision to place multiple staff members from Sussex Central High School on administrative leave last week. The Delaware State Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the situation. “We have received numerous inquiries regarding an investigation at Sussex Central High School,” said Leonard DeMalto, public information officer for …

Indian River has placed several staff on administrative leave.

Indian River employees placed on admin leave, reason unclear

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Multiple staff members of the Indian River School District have been placed on administrative leave, and the district is keeping the reasons why under wraps – for now. There were rumors that one of the administrators was escorted out of school by police this week, but those claims are false.  No, we did not escort him or anyone else out …

Districts across the state must implement science of reading aligned curricula by 2027-2028.

Indian River to spend $2.8M on science of reading curriculum

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Indian River School District will spend $2.8 million on a  new science of reading curriculum expected to improve literacy rates and test scores but its school board took a shot at the state for mandating the move without providing money for it. The Sussex County school district serving 10,799 students will invest in a 5-year contract with Core Knowledge Language …

School board elections are Tuesday with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

School board elections: polls open until 8 p.m. Tuesday

Jarek RutzEducation, Headlines

Today’s the day: after nine weeks of campaigning, 40 Delawareans will compete for 23 school board seats in Tuesday’s school board elections.  “Over the last couple of months, our campaign has had the opportunity to connect with thousands of voters who’ve shared their stories, hopes, and aspiration for Red Clay and its future,” said Jose Matthews, an incumbent board member …

The first of three town halls was held in Dover Tuesday night.

Education town hall focuses on woke agendas, parental rights

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Speakers at a town hall Tuesday night said Delaware’s education system is in crisis, Delaware’s students are being indoctrinated by the woke agenda and that America is falling behind in international comparisons. About 30 people attended the Save Our Schools Town Hall in Dover sponsored by Citizens for Delaware Schools.  It is the first of three offering conservative views on …

The state wants more mentors in schools. (Unsplash)

School mentors: Who they are, what they do may surprise you

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Two months ago, fifth-grader Jeraniah Jackson joined the 150 students in Cape Henlopen School District’s mentoring program.   She had been disrespectful of teachers and generally not nice to people around her when someone suggested she consider the program. “It’s definitely helped,” said Jackson, who attends H.O. Brittingham Elementary in Milton. “I talk to my mentor about things that happen in …

Appo will buy metal/weapon detectors for all 3 of its high schools. (Photo from Evolv)

Appo to lease weapon detectors amid schools’ focus on safety

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Appoquinimink School District’s vote this week to install weapon detectors is the latest move by Delaware schools to combat violence and the presence of guns. It’s an issue that’s plagued schools since fall, with the latest incident occurring Wednesday when a Sussex Central High School student was found with a firearm on school property.  The student was taken into custody …