Markell signs education reform measures

During last year’s campaign, Delaware Governor Jack Markell promised to make education a priority. He’s brought that promise to reality by signing a package of education reform bills that were approved by the General Assembly earlier this year.

During last year’s campaign, Delaware Governor Jack Markell promised to make education a priority. He’s brought that promise to reality by signing a package of education reform bills that were approved by the General Assembly earlier this year.

“When we think about creating a much better economic climate, having wonderful school- and I mean wonderful – is really at the top of the list. We’re just not going to get where we have to be as a state in terms of creating the kind of economic climate, in terms of creating the kinds of great jobs that we want, if we don’t have absolutely top notch schools.”

Among the bills signed by Markell, a measure that will replace the much criticized Delaware Student Testing Program with a better test that will deliver much quicker results.  Markell also signed a bill that gives local schools and districts more control over how they spend money.  That increased control does come with one catch, districts  must now post how they spend their money on a website that must be updated quarterly.  The third bill Markell signed will reward high performing schools with additional funding.