Matt Meyer unveils the most extensive education policy in the history of gubernatorial campaigns, earning accolades from Delaware educators

April 15, 2024

In Wilmington, DE, as first reported by Bay to Bay News, Matt Meyer, a former public school teacher in Wilmington and leader of Delaware’s largest local government, has unveiled his 23-page education plan, marking the most comprehensive publication in the history of Delaware gubernatorial campaigns. Meyer stands as the sole candidate in the 2024 gubernatorial race to present a policy plan at this stage.

Crafted in collaboration with Delaware educators, Meyer’s plan tackles the state’s most urgent education challenges, including increasing investment and equity in school funding, addressing the teacher shortage and elevating educator salaries, ensuring access to early childhood education, enhancing primary and secondary education for all students, fostering meaningful opportunities in vocational and technical education, and guaranteeing access to higher education for Delaware’s students.

Among various policy priorities aimed at ensuring Delaware students receive a top-tier education, Meyer advocates for:

– Rectifying the outdated school funding formula

– Boosting investment in public education by an additional $3,400 to $6,400 per pupil

– Surpassing teacher starting salaries in neighboring states to tackle Delaware’s teacher shortage

– Establishing universal access to pre-K statewide

– Extending home-visiting nursing programs to every first-time expectant mother living in poverty

– Providing affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education for all parents

– Ensuring all Delaware children achieve grade-level reading proficiency by Third Grade through evidence-based reading curricula.

“We don’t just make promises. We make plans. From these plans, we will make progress. A free, high-quality public education is the greatest equalizer. As Delaware’s first Teacher-Governor, I will work tirelessly to improve our education system so every student can get a world-class education and every educator can thrive,” said Matt Meyer.

Meyer’s policies received high praise from educators across the state:

“In my 18 years of classroom teaching, school leadership, and educator preparation, this is the most comprehensive, research-based, and forward-thinking education plan I have ever seen. It is exactly what our teachers, school leaders, students, and communities need,” said Dana Rae Davisson, Clinical Practice Director Relay Graduate School of Education.

“If we are going to truly improve Delaware’s education system, we need evidence-based policy proposals like these that address the urgency needed to create educational equity. These policies ensure the decisions being made are truly what’s best for students. With Meyer’s experience as a former educator, he understands first hand the critical need to ensure students, their families and educators have a seat at the table and their voices are heard,” said Karen Eller, a Delaware Educator based in Wilmington.

“Educators like myself, and all school staff need higher pay and more support. I’m glad this plan fights for us to receive what we so rightly deserve. This will go a long way in attracting new, highly qualified teachers in Delaware,” said Debbie Supplee, a High School Librarian in Sussex County.

“When we taught together, Matt reached out to as many students and educators as he could and simply listened. A great leader knows how to listen to others and lead with compassion and understanding. This policy shows Matt took the time to hear the concerns of parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, and kids. That’s what we need from our next Governor,” said Lance Love, a public school Special Education teacher in the Christiana School District.

You can read an overview of Meyer’s entire education plan here[bit.ly].