The Echo

Before the week is over, Sen. Karen Peterson is expected to present legislation in Dover to consolidate Delaware's 19 School Districts to four:

1) North Wilmington to North of the Canal

2) South of the Canal and Kent County

3) Sussex County

4) One statewide Vocational District

Rumor has it that the bill is only eight lines long, but it opens the door for serious consideration of Delaware's educational system.

There can be no argument: Delaware must do education differently if we are to produce successful, competent young people. Whether you believe education is a community issue, as I do, or think of it only as a parent's responsibility, we need to examine alternatives to the 19 fiefdoms. There are far larger school district in this nation that produce better prepared students.

It is the responsibility of our board members to make brave choices and advocate for their students. Is consolidation the right decision? Will it lower the cost of educating our students? Will local communities retain a voice in their schools? Will it lead to a lighter administration and a more teacher/classroom-centric environment? How will our district leaders enforce administrative accountability? We won't know until someone provides a comprehensive plan for all to study. But, it's time to open our minds and explore our options.

Sec. of Education Dr. Lillian Lowery has presented a plan to consolidate administrative services for public and charter schools into four state centers. It's a start. Such a plan could lead to a Reduction in Administrative Force as we eliminate duplicate effort. How our school districts respond to this first step in eduction reform will set the stage for what is to come.

The show has just begun.