Despite spending $20,231 per student—among the highest in the nation—Delaware’s education system ranks near the bottom.

On the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress:

• 4th-grade math: 3rd worst

• 4th-grade reading: 4th worst

• 8th-grade math and reading: 5th worst

• Only 41% of students are proficient in ELA and 31% in math, yet 88% still graduate.

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Seventeen schools—many in Wilmington and serving majority-minority populations—have fewer than 10% of students performing at grade level, despite some spending over $30,000 per student. COVID-19 closures and statewide policies worsened these declines, and chronic absenteeism affects 20% of students. At the same time, administrative and support-service spending has grown 49% over the past 20 years, far outpacing the 11% growth in teacher costs and student enrollment. Rising discipline problems, teacher shortages, and focus on activism over academics compound the crisis. By redirecting funds to classrooms, restoring accountability, addressing absenteeism, and refocusing on academics, Delaware can reverse its decline and rebuild a stronger, more effective education system.