Panel supports codifying DSCYF education unit to clarify pay and staffing rules

House Bill 3 13, presented by the committee chair as the prime sponsor, would codify the DSCYF Education Unit in state code and clarify expectations for staffing, qualifications and pay structure for licensed K–12 educators employed by DSCYF. The measure is intended to place those provisions in a single statutory location rather than spread across code, regulations and contracts.

Meredith Sykes, staff from DSCYF, told the committee the proposal mirrors existing language from other statutes (notably prison education statutes) and reflects that DSCYF educators operate on a 12-month schedule; she said a 0.7 figure in the language reflects the state-versus-local share used in current calculations. Committee members asked whether the change would help recruiting and retainment; Sykes and others responded the bill provides stability and clarity that can support recruitment though it does not itself increase base salaries.

Public testimony included Taylor Hawkes of the Delaware State Education Association and John Dunne (Special Schools Education Association), who said the bill would remove ambiguity about hours, pay structure and qualifications, assist recruitment, ensure eligibility for certain grants, and help clarify that DSCYF operates as a local education agency for specific purposes. The committee did not record a vote on HB 3 13 during this meeting.