Gov. Jack Markell is offering an alternative to move the stalled plan to redistrict Wilmington schools forward.
In a letter to Wilmington Education Improvement Commission members, Markell suggests removing the State Board of Education from any decision on whether necessary funding is available to proceed with the Commission’s redistricting plan. That plan would move Christina schools and students in Wilmington city limits to the Red Clay School District.
"The Commission's work represents the efforts and input of thousands of Delawareans who care deeply about urban education," Markell wrote in the letter. "It is the best opportunity Delaware has had in decades to improve the education of Wilmington schoolchildren by increasing district cohesiveness while not imposing any undue burden on participating districts."
The State Board of Education attempted to change language in the plan - suggesting that it “may” – instead of “shall” – halt redistricting if necessary state funds aren’t set aside for the costly transition.
Commission and district officials balked - saying that could create an unfunded mandate for districts if state funds disappear. They say the Board’s proposed change would allow redistricting go forward even if state funding dries up - leaving districts and residents to foot the bill.
Under Markell’s plan, the State Board would not have a say in suspending the plan over lack of resources and support. That decision would instead be left to the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission.
The language Markell is proposing is:
If the necessary and sufficient funding and transition supports, as laid out in the compendium dated February 11, 2016, are not provided by the conclusion of each stage and in the manner proposed, the Commission, after consulting with the affected districts, shall suspend the timetable for implementation until the resources and supports are provided.
Markell’s plan comes as the deadline for gaining approval for the redistricting plan looms at the end of the month.
“We thank the Governor for his leadership on this issue and the members of WEIC for their willingness to continue discussions in an effort to move this process forward,” said Dr. Teri Quinn Gray, President of the State Board of Education, in a letter reacting to Markell's letter. “I’ve said from the beginning and I continue to believe that all of us– the Governor, the State Board, WIEC, the districts and the parents -- all of us want the very same thing: to provide more options and better opportunities for the kids in Wilmington.”
The commission will hold an emergency meeting to consider Markell’s proposal Monday March 14 at 5:30 pm at Wilmington’s Warner Elementary School.
In his own letter to commission members, WEIC chair Tony Allen says he believes the Governor’s alternative offers the assurances needed to move forward.
"Our Monday meeting is of critical importance to the success of our efforts, "Allen said in his letter. "I believe that the alternative language strengthens the assurances needed to move forward with the redistricting process."
