Governor Meyer’s Push for Transparency Applauded, But Spending Draws Scrutiny

2/14/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Newark, Del.) – The Caesar Rodney Institute’s (CRI) Center for Education Policy has formally responded to Delaware Governor Matt Meyer’s proposed education plan. While commending the governor’s focus on transparency and teacher development, CRI raises concerns over proposed spending increases, warning that they may not deliver the promised results.

 

“We applaud the Governor’s focus on improving transparency in spending, enhancing professional development—especially in the Science of Reading—and empowering excellent teachers to take on leadership roles. However, increasing education spending by $3,400 to $6,400 per pupil is unnecessary and will not address the root causes of Delaware’s education challenges,” said Tanya Hettler, PhD, Director of the Center for Education Policy.

 

Delaware currently spends $21,641 per student, ranking among the top 10 states in education spending, yet it remains in the bottom ten for student performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

 

“The data show a negative correlation between spending and outcomes. Some of the poorest performing schools in Delaware are spending over $33,000 per student, yet fewer than 10% of students in those schools meet grade-level standards in reading and math,” said Dr. Hettler.

 

The letter to Governor Meyer outlines several key concerns:

 

• Increased Spending Ineffectiveness: Over the past two decades, rising per-pupil spending has not improved academic outcomes.
• Misleading Comparisons: Delaware’s demographics are comparable to neighboring states, contradicting the plan’s justification for higher spending.
• Recent Salary Increases:  Teachers have already seen significant salary hikes, with more scheduled through 2027.

 

CRI’s Center for Education Policy recommends prioritizing transparency and accountability over increased funding.

 

“Simply increasing spending has not improved outcomes. Targeted, measurable reforms are necessary to create meaningful change,” Dr. Hettler concluded.

 

[Click here to read the full letter.]

 

 

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ABOUT CAESAR RODNEY INSTITUTE

The Caesar Rodney Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan Delaware-based public policy think tank committed to protecting individual liberties. We create fact-based analyses to help Delawareans make more informed decisions. We envision a Delaware where all Delawareans are empowered to make informed decisions that best enable them to pursue their aspirations and achieve their goals. www.CaeserRodney.org.

 

Contact: Vil Vongphrachanh

Email: Vil@CaesarRodney.org

 

 

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