Delaware’s Education Power Players and Their 2026 Game Plan
The state’s education budget has been a focal point for years, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. A coalition of leaders—from school district finance chiefs and policy advocates to nonprofit heads and state officials—are working hard to keep schools funded amid a new property tax assessment that has left many homeowners and school boards scrambling.
Rebuilding the Tax Base
In New Castle County, district CFOs Emily Falcon and Bob Vacca had to rebuild their tax base from scratch because state law didn’t specify how to handle the first reassessment in four decades. They were left with incomplete data until June 2025 and had to estimate risks for over five thousand properties still on appeal. Their work blended:
- Mathematics and data analysis
- Risk assessment for uncertain properties
- Community outreach answering board questions and fielding resident calls
The situation grew more complex in August 2025 when lawmakers required districts to split rates between commercial and residential properties for the first time.
Legislative Influence
Experts like Falcon have testified before legislative committees and the Public Education Funding Commission. Their testimony shapes discussions on school funding reform, providing lawmakers with crucial insights into budget implications of new policies.
Early Childhood Education
Madeleine Bayard, senior VP at Rodel and chair of the state’s Early Childhood Council, is pushing for more research and programming to support children from birth through kindergarten. She sits on a cross‑agency committee preparing an $11.3 million grant for preschool development, illustrating how policy and funding can improve early learning outcomes.
Nonprofit Support
Delaware Futures, led by Providenza Rocco, offers free academic support and mentorship statewide. With a social‑work background, Rocco focuses on literacy and equity and plans to expand services into Kent County where need is greatest. The organization has been a steady source of help for students for three decades, proving that community‑based solutions complement state efforts.
Teacher Advocacy
At the Delaware State Education Association, Taylor Hawk balances her role on the Public Education Funding Commission with her work as director of legislative strategy for the largest teachers’ union. Hawk advocates for an updated funding formula that has remained unchanged for 80 years, providing a unique perspective on both policy and teachers’ practical needs.
Preparing Future Educators
Jamie Bailey at the University of Delaware’s BlueHen Recruitment Center expands opportunities for future teachers. She connects students with internships, labs, and residencies that prepare them for the classroom and leads a Teachers of Tomorrow pipeline program. Her work addresses teacher shortages and ensures qualified educators for the next academic year.
Equitable Redistricting
State official Matthew Denn, co‑chair of the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity, guides public briefings on redistricting in northern Delaware. His leadership is helping create a more equitable school district structure that could set the tone for future reforms.
Scholarship Support
Kelly Sheridan at the Delaware Community Foundation oversees a scholarship program that awarded over $800,000 to more than 200 students in the last year. Her work ensures talented students receive financial support for higher education, building a brighter future for the state.
Together, these individuals and organizations illustrate how Delaware’s education system is evolving through collaboration, data‑driven decision making, and a shared commitment to student success.
