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House honors educational support staff, nonprofit partners and university program
Summary
The Delaware House passed ceremonial resolutions recognizing Donna Ward as Educational Support Professional of the Year, marked Children and Families First’s long service, and acknowledged visitors from advocacy and academic groups. Ward urged lawmakers to modernize school funding to reduce reliance on referendums.
The Delaware House on May 12 recognized educational support professionals and nonprofit partners, honoring Donna Ward of Laurel School District as the 2026 Educational Support Professional of the Year and spotlighting organizations that serve children and families.
Donna Ward, introduced to the chamber as the honoree, told lawmakers that school funding mechanisms that rely on local referendums leave lower‑wealth districts at a persistent disadvantage. "Move beyond a model where operational stability depends on local wealth and referendum outcomes," Ward said, adding that districts with lower property wealth serve more students with higher needs and should not depend on high‑stakes votes to sustain operations.
Representative Neal presented the concurrent resolution commending Ward and asked honorees to come forward for recognition. Representative Griffith and Leader Dukes offered floor praise; Griffith singled out paraprofessionals for their work with students.
The chamber also received a presentation from Kirsten Olsen, CEO of Children and Families First, after Representative Griffith introduced House Concurrent Resolution 127 recognizing the organization’s work. Olsen said CFF offers more than 20 programs, employs over 200 Delawareans and serves more than 20,000 children and families annually, describing the nonprofit as a partner to state agencies and school districts.
Other floor recognitions included visiting members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for an Advocacy Day and alumni and officials from the University of Delaware Honors College, which marked its 50th anniversary. Representatives used the remarks to thank support staff, community partners and program alumni and to invite guests in the gallery to be recognized.
These items were ceremonial and were approved by voice votes or unanimous consent as read into the record. The House recessed later in the day to continue legislative business on May 16.
