Seeking Solutions at the Imagine Delaware Forum: A Recap

“As Wilmington goes—I’ve heard—so goes Delaware.”

So said Susan Leath in her opening remarks Monday night at the pivotal Imagine Delaware forum from the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

Leath, president and publisher of The News Journal Media Group, was just one of many high profile speakers who graced the stage Monday night, seeking solutions from the education community and policymakers in Delaware’s largest city.

A panel discussion—comprised of state legislator David Sokola, Bank of America exec Tony Allen, Red Clay Education Association leader Mike Matthews, EastSide Charter School leader Lamont Browne, parent and advocate Elizabeth Lockman, and Red Clay Consolidated Superintendent Merv Daugherty—addressed the needs of city schools, and recommendations put forth by the Wilmington Education Advisory Committee. City redistricting, school funding models, and governance were all dissected by the group, while David Ledford, The News Journal’s executive editor, moderated the discussion.

The panel came after an expo that featured more than 54 education- and community-related vendors, which offered information to hundreds of parents, grandparents and students.

With more than 700 in attendance, the forum marked a groundswell of interest and engagement around vital issues facing our local schools. The Rodel Foundation is proud to have played a part in making the night come together. Many thanks goes to fellow sponsors United Way of Delaware, and The News Journal, as well as partner organizations Brooks Fellowship, Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Grantmakers Association,
Interdenominational Ministers Action Council, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and Teach For America-Delaware.

We also applaud The News Journal’s editorial team for its exemplary coverage of the event:

Schools forum brings energy for change

Education forum one-stop shopping for parents

Attendees at schools forum: ‘We need to move on it’

Replay: Imagine Delaware education forum

A Vision for Wilmington Schools

For City Schools, a Call for Reinforcements

Wilmington Schools at Crossroads

Stay tuned for continued coverage of Wilmington school issues, as well as news and updates on iEducate Delaware, a Rodel Foundation initiative that honors outstanding Delawareans’ contributions to public education. Visit www.ieducatedelaware.org for more info, or to vote for your favorite candidates.