Wilmington groups want education changes

Civic leaders rally in Wilmington to show their support for a locally controlled school district in Wilmington.

A group of civic leaders gathered in front of the Christina School District headquarters in Wilmington to draw attention to what they say is the mismanagement of education for the city’s children.

Led by New Castle County Councilman Jay Street (D- 10th District), a group of about 30 people took part in a protest march from the steps of the Christina School District headquarters on Lombard Street to the Carvel State Office Building in downtown Wilmington.  Coalition to Save Our Children Vice President Devon Henson outlined the group’s issues with the district, “Because all city schools in the Christina School District are under academic review or watch.  All high schools in the [district] are under academic review or watch.”  The “academic watch” or “review” terms refer to schools that have not met federal standards for academic progress.

The group also wants more local control of the schools in Wilmington.  They want to see a return of a Wilmington school district.  The city’s schools are currently divided between four districts, Brandywine, Christina, Colonial and Red Clay.  Wilmington City Councilman Charles Potter (D- 1st District) says, “Local control means we can make ‘now-time’ decisions to help our children out.  We don’t have to go through a third party or a fourth party.”

People who attended the rally were signing a petition to express their wishes to state lawmakers.