Rodel

05/26/2026

With legislation moving through the state house to update Delaware's school funding system to a hybrid model, our latest blog tackles where the bills are in the process, what they would do, and what comes next. To read more, follow the link below: https://monkeylink.co/a954f0

Delaware is moving forward with a proposed hybrid school funding model that combines the current unit system with more flexible, student-centered funding.

05/15/2026

Delaware has pumped up the volume on child care challenges, and it’s thanks to the engagement and action of partners like the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce who understand that child care impacts more than just parents. We’re grateful to have co-hosted a dialogue with DEBCC members, community advocates, and several state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay, to discuss the current child care challenges facing Delaware and the next steps to addressing them.

Business owners, like restauranteur James, highlighted the challenges their staff face with childcare. James shared: "We pay on a certain day, and we've had calls, "Hey, can you pay me before Friday so I can take care of [child care payments] for my kid? I would say when somebody calls out most times it's because of child care issues...so it is a big issue with us as well. We're not directly tied into pre-K, but it does affect us."

Others, like family provider Shakira, spoke to funding gaps caused by the current model for Purchase of Care and its impact on child care providers: "As a provider, a family provider, all the funding is me. Everything comes from me. So if Purchase of Care is giving me $200 a week to work 50 hours, that's $5 an hour, so it's not a lot for me. And then I have to cover all the [remaining] costs."

Dr. Melanie Thomas-Price, owner of A Leap of Faith Child Development Center, put it plainly: "Why is it so hard? Why do we have to do so much to make sure that the kids are getting what they need? It just doesn't make sense to me."

Thank you to all our participants for their honest and collaborative conversation. We look forward to working with all those who attended to turn conversation into action, especially through support for ongoing legislation to improve access to child care.

05/14/2026

In April, more than 400 of Delaware's Pathways students, business leaders, community advocates, and policymakers came together at the Navigating Delaware’s Pathways Education and Workforce Development Summit. There, they heard from leaders in workforce development from Delaware and from around the country about innovations in work-based learning, apprenticeship programs, and the blending of education with on-the-job experience.

The participants brought fresh ideas, heard from those in the field, and used the summit as a way to strategize for the future of workforce education in Delaware. As Rodel VP Luke Rhine writes, "Delaware has a head start—and we’re building for what comes next." Check out his blog post (linked below) to learn about how far Delaware has come, how it's leading the nation, and where the state is looking to go next:

https://monkeylink.co/7fb89a

Over 400 Delawareans gathered in Dover for a day of reflection and energy around the state’s growing career pathways opportunities for students—but the real story has been building for years.

05/07/2026

Rodel is making waves across the country with its recent analysis on Delaware Pathways outcomes, conducted in partnership with RTI International. For coverage of the report's findings and to hear from Rodel's Luke Rhine, read more at the Hechinger Report: https://monkeylink.co/6fedc9

Three-quarters of pathway students were enrolled in postsecondary education after graduation. But most weren't studying or working in their pathway field.

05/05/2026

📢LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! Delaware’s educator pipeline is growing, and the 2026 Delaware Teacher Pathways Showcase is your chance to be part of that momentum. Hear from legislators, practitioners, and policymakers how Delaware is paving the way for future educators, including remarks from Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten!

Join us May 12 at Wilmington University to explore innovative pathways, connect with statewide partners, and strengthen the future of teaching in Delaware. Registration closes TOMORROW May 6 at 5 p.m. EST. Reserve your spot today at https://monkeylink.co/96cf47.

Teaching is more than just a job; it is a calling, a passion, and a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. In Delaware, there are more opportunities than ever for aspiring educators of all ages to pursue a career in teaching.

05/01/2026

Ready to shape the future of teaching? The 2026 Delaware Teacher Pathways Showcase is your chance to discover pathways to teaching in Delaware on May 12, from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST. Workshops, networking, panels, and more!

🔗 Register by May 6th: https://monkeylink.co/96cf47

Teaching is more than just a job; it is a calling, a passion, and a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. In Delaware, there are more opportunities than ever for aspiring educators of all ages to pursue a career in teaching.

05/01/2026

School board elections are coming up on May 12th! Head over to First State Educate to find your polling place, learn about the candidates, and make a plan to vote! Follow the link below to make your voice heard: https://monkeylink.co/95fcc9

At First State Educate, we catalyze radical change in education by activating the power of Delawareans so that all kids can live productive, fulfilling life.

04/30/2026

Calling all student artists!

Have you heard the news?

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my first ever statewide student art competition. With the theme, “Why I Love Delaware”, I am inviting Delaware students, grades K-12, to showcase their artistic talent for the opportunity to have their work displayed in my office.

The deadline for student artwork submissions is Friday, May 22, by 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced on Monday, June 8.

For more information, visit: https://ltgov.delaware.gov/events/

04/30/2026

Rodel is thrilled to partner with CTE and First on the Rethinking Middle Grades initiative to support every middle school student in their career exploration and identity development. Follow the link to read on about the Initiative, the pilot programs, and Rodel’s contributions to this essential work! https://monkeylink.co/7af92f….

The middle grades represent a critical window for students. Research demonstrates that early adolescence is a developmental “sweet spot” when...

04/27/2026

School board elections are 15 days away! Head over to First State Educate to learn about candidates, find your polling place, and make a voting plan! https://monkeylink.co/866eca

15 DAYS TO GO. 🗳️ May 12 is getting closer.

The school board elections are around the corner—now is the time to stay informed, make a plan, and be ready to show up. Every vote helps shape the future of our schools and community.

Scan the QR code to find your polling place.
Spread the word. Make a plan. Be there on Election Day.