Some of us may believe that if we are no longer in school ourselves, or our kids are long out of school, then Delaware's educational system shouldn't matter to us. Oh, but it does. Education matters for all Delawareans. And here's why.
Fact - Overwhelmingly, high-wage states are states with a well-educated workforce.
States can increase the strength of their economies and their ability to grow and attract high-wage employers by investing in education and increasing the number of well-educated citizens. Providing expanded access to high-quality education will not only expand economic opportunity for residents, but also likely do more to strengthen the overall state economy than anything else a state government can do. Anything else!
Investing in education is also good for state budgets in the long run, since workers with higher incomes contribute more through taxes over the course of their lifetimes.
So, if you prefer to live in a state that is rich in culture, opportunities, activities and services, then you want a state with a strong educational foundation for its children and young adults. Education matters.
A state that does not offer quality education is one where the brightest will move out of the state looking for better opportunities, thus leaving the state in a financial and demographic deficit. Without our most productive younger citizens, we don't have innovation, we lose our industry, and we lose people power. Without education, the state's economy will decline. Education matters.
And what does a declining economy lead to? Poverty and dependence on the state. An increased population dependent on the state leads to increased taxes and more poverty. Poverty, through lack of opportunity, leads to crime. Crime leads to a lack of basic safety and security in our workplaces, our neighborhoods and our homes. With increased crime comes decreased freedom and independence.
So, yes, education matters! The education system in Delaware affects you and the ones you love. So how does Delaware's education system stack up?
Fact - Delaware ranked 47th in the country, with the fourth-worst overall test scores.
Fact - 17 schools throughout Delaware have single-digit proficiency, that's below 10%, and sometimes it's only 3% proficiency, in math or English. Read that again: single-digit proficiency in math or English!
If Delaware is to turn around and meet the demands of a civilized society, then it needs to turn this abysmal track record on education around, and the current party in power is just not the ones who are going to do it. They haven't, not since 2009, and they won't do it now and they won't do it in 2024. Their big plan is to throw even more money at this money pit, which is worse than not helpful, it's downright destructive.
Delaware deserves better, and First State students deserve a first-rate education. It's time for change; vote out the party in power since 2009, before we can't. In 2024, vote for change.
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Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and building pages, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
