Delaware delegates explore public private partnerships at National School Board Association conference

The Red Clay Consolidated School District Board of Education convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss various topics, including insights from the recent National School Board Association conference held from April 3 to April 6, 2025. Board members present included President Matthews, Mrs. Sanders, and Dr. Green, who shared their experiences from the conference.

During the meeting, it was noted that attendance at the conference was lower than usual, potentially due to the current financial climate. Despite this, valuable insights were gained, particularly regarding capital funding for school districts. One key takeaway was the concept of public-private partnerships (PPP), which can assist districts in funding building projects when financial resources are limited. This approach, while interesting, may face legal challenges in Delaware, as highlighted by the board members.

The discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration and learning from other districts across the country, with members expressing appreciation for the opportunity to connect with peers who share a common mission in education.

No further remarks were made, and the meeting concluded with a positive note on the value of the conference experience, particularly for first-time attendees. The board plans to explore the implications of the PPP model further, considering the unique legal landscape in Delaware.