The Wilmington Education Improvement Commission is sending its redistricting plan back to the State Board of Education for another vote, with revised funding language.
The commission voted 20-to-1 to approve language proposed by Gov. JackMarkell (D-Delaware) to settle a stalemate over what would happen to the plan if state resources to implement it dried up.
The change removes the State Board of Education from any decision whether to suspend redistricting over funding, leaving that call to the commission.
The vote came after a few lingering questions and concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of multi-year funding and the timing of any decision to put the brakes on the plan.
Allen says the commission showed its resolve to move redistricting forward.
“Just one step in a long journey, but one I’m proud the commission is completely committed to.
Red Clay School District Superintendent Mervin Daugherty agrees.
“I think it was a great opportunity for the commission to really come together. I think it’s very important that everyone was on the same page,” Daugherty said.
The plan, with the change in language, now heads back to the State Board of Education for a vote at its Thursday meeting. If the board OKs it, the redistricting plan then heads to the General Assembly for its approval.
And while Allen realizes the commission will need to help make the case for redistricting to lawmakers if it gets that far, he’s hoping Monday’s meeting is the last time his committee has a conversation about redistricting for a while.
We have lots more work to do that has nothing to do with redistricting.” Allen said. “So while we’ll continue to advocate to the General Assembly that redistricting move on and that it do so in the right way, we still have other committees that are equally as important.”
Allen says that work includes addressing the impact poverty has on education, resources for English language learners, parent engagement and district-charter collaboration. It’s work he says WEIC committed to addressing between now and 2021.
