Unknown challenger files for Cape school board election

There could be an election this year for the Cape Henlopen school board, scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, as a challenger has filed to run against incumbent Jessica Tyndall, who represents Area A in Milton.

As of the 4:30 p.m., March 3 filing deadline, only Tyndall’s name was listed as a candidate on the State of Delaware Department of Elections website; however, Sussex County Department of Elections Director Kenneth “Bo” McDowell said that one other candidate has filed. Tyndall filed to run Jan. 12.

“Due to recent legislation requiring a background check, you will not see a complete list of candidates that filed until the background checks are successfully completed,” McDowell said by email March 3. 

“We are still waiting for clearance from the Commissioner’s Office to be able to release the name,” McDowell said. “The background check could take a couple weeks.”

In September 2021, Gov. John Carney signed into law Senate Bill 78, which enhances requirements and details crimes that would disqualify school board candidates and members from holding or keeping office.

Candidates must now undergo a criminal background check and a Child Protection Registry check that will be submitted to the election commissioner by the State Bureau of Identification and the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. 

The election commissioner will then determine if the individual has any disqualifying convictions before deeming the person a candidate for election, the law states.

Tyndall served her first term from 2016-18, completing two years left for the seat held by Noble Prettyman, who died in 2015. In 2018, she ran unopposed for her first full term.

The board liaison to the district communications committee and the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation, Tyndall also serves as president of the Mariner Middle School PTO. She and her husband Shaun have three children, all attending Milton schools.

The Area A four-year term begins July 1, 2023 and expires June 30, 2027. The school board election is set for 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, at district schools to be announced closer to the date. Absentee voting is available. While candidates in this election must reside in Area A, all eligible voters in the Cape Henlopen School District can cast votes.

Eligible voters must be 18 years old on the day of the election, and be Delaware citizens residing in the Cape Henlopen School District. Voters must provide proof of identity and address. For more information, go to elections.delaware.gov.

Enrollment up

Enrollment in the Cape Henlopen School District grew by 45 students from October to February, Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman informed the board Feb. 23.

As of the annual Sept. 30 unit count, 6,336 students were enrolled in district schools, an increase of 186 pupils from Sept. 30, 2021, when enrollment exceeded 6,000 for the first time. 

The unit count determines how much state funding the school district receives to pay for teaching and professional staff. 

Students with special needs who require more services and support staff earn additional units for the school.

At the Feb. 1 midyear unit count, enrollment totaled 6,381 students, a gain of eight units.

Sussex Consortium saw the biggest increase, with 24 new students since Sept. 30. Love Creek Elementary grew by 18 students, followed by Milton Elementary with six new students. Beacon Middle enrolled five new students, and Cape High gained one.

At four schools, enrollment decreased slightly. H.O. Brittingham decreased by four students, Rehoboth Elementary by three, and Lewes Elementary and Mariner Middle each decreased by one student.

As of Feb. 1, student enrollment is as follows: Cape High, 1,814 students; Mariner Middle, 663 students; Beacon Middle, 653 students; Love Creek Elementary, 661 students; Lewes Elementary, 581 students; Milton Elementary, 562 students; Rehoboth Elementary, 522 students; H.O. Brittingham Elementary, 480 students; and Sussex Consortium, 445 students.

The midyear unit count does not reduce or rescind funding previously earned or allocated through the September unit count; schools are held harmless for a decrease in units.

After the meeting, Nauman said the state allocated $1 million total for the midyear unit count.

Cape Director of Business Operations Oliver Gumbs said the district is grateful for the new midyear unit count process.

“Based on the state allocation, we will receive $68,864.08,” Gumbs said. “These funds will be utilized to support our educational programming. Right now, no specific use has been determined.”