38th Report: What Really Happened at the Nov. 24 School Board Meeting - 38th IRSD Reporter
- 38th District Republican Club
- 2 minutes ago
- 9 min read
The November 24th, 2025 Indian River School District (IRSD) School Board meeting covered a lot of ground, everything from construction budgets to reading scores to vaping. For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a clear, conversational walkthrough of what happened, what questions were raised, and what the public should be watching. You can also listen to the whole School Board meeting here.
Nov 24 Indian River School Board Meeting Highlights
Correcting the Public Record
A small but important correction: The October 27th IRSD Board minutes stated that teachers received 0% raises, as reported by the Indian River Education Association (IREA) representative. However, it was clarified during the meeting that teachers did in fact receive a 7% state-funded raise this year. That correction will now be reflected in the official minutes.
Homebound Instruction: A Growing Program With Unclear Numbers
The Board approved hiring six additional homebound instructors. Homebound instruction is an important support for medically fragile students, but the scale of the program has grown quickly, and the public deserves clarity.
Right now, it is not clear how many students in IRSD are receiving homebound instruction or how many teachers are assigned to them. Superintendent Dr. Owens stated on November 24th that he will bring those numbers to the Board. Based on previous personnel reports, there may be several dozen homebound students and a similar number of instructors, but the district has not released an exact count. Most homebound instruction is performed virtually, not in-person.
Several basic questions remain unanswered:
How many students in IRSD are currently on homebound instruction?
What medical or instructional reasons place them there?
What is the plan to transition students back into school?
How does IRSD compare to other school districts in Delaware?
How much is the program costing the district?
School Choice: We Need Clearer Capacity Data
The Board reviewed the School Choice numbers. School Choice is the process that allows families to apply for their child to attend a different IRSD school than the one they are assigned to by attendance zone. Some families apply to move within the district, while others apply from outside IRSD to enroll in one of our schools.
During this review, the Board requested that the district present school capacity figures in percentage form instead of raw numbers, which would make it immediately clear which schools are over capacity and which still have available space. A clearer, more visual presentation would help the Board and the public understand where the district is balanced and where it may be strained.
Construction Oversight: Costs, Corrections, and the Need for Clarity
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Sussex Central High School construction project, particularly the amendment to the architect’s contract. The amendment requests a $320,000 increase in compensation for additional design and coordination work. Several Board members raised a fundamental concern: if elements of the project require redesign due to architectural errors or omissions, should taxpayers be responsible for those added costs?
One unresolved issue involves the building’s large glass windows, which reflect heat onto the adjacent turf. This has already caused turf damage. While the architectural firm has agreed to cover the cost of replacing the damaged turf, the underlying heating design flaw remains. No correction plan has yet been presented, and it is still unclear what the fix will require, how much it will cost, or who will ultimately bear that cost.
Given these unanswered questions, the Board chose to table the vote on approving the architectural fee increase. Additional information has been requested before any final decision is made, and the amendment will return to the Buildings & Grounds Committee for further review.
Major Capital Planning: Where the Project Stands Financially
The district provided a snapshot of the Sussex Central project’s current financial status:
Total project: ~$166.9 million
Spent: ~$151.5 million
Encumbered: ~$9.95 million
Free balance: ~$5.4 million
This leaves a narrow margin for error, which is why questions were raised about whether the project remains on track or is at risk of overruns.
Change Orders: A Pattern of Add-Ons
The Board was informed of another large change order — nearly $37,000 for gates and hardware. Under current policy, the Board only votes on change orders over $100,000; anything below that threshold is presented for information only, not for approval.
Earlier this year, District 4 Board Member Dr. Parsons made a motion to lower the approval threshold so the Board would have greater oversight, but the motion did not pass.
Three additional change orders are already in the pipeline and, like the others under $100,000, will come before the Board for informational purposes only, not for a vote of approval.
Carver Early Learning Center Tuition Increase
The district is raising tuition at the Carver Early Learning Center, located on Frankford School Road in Frankford and serving as IRSD’s early childhood development program, from $325 to $400 per month. This rate is below the county average of approximately $600. With 97 students enrolled, the adjustment is expected to generate roughly $72,000 per year, helping stabilize program costs while keeping tuition relatively affordable.
Staff Survey
The district recently conducted an anonymous staff survey; administrators were not included as respondents. The survey received 651 responses and more than 4,000 written comments. The district has compiled the data but has not yet released it publicly, though the results were made available for Board members to review.
Curriculum: Reading Scores, Literacy Training, and the Need for Clear District Goals
The IRSD DIBELS Beginning-of-Year reading data was sobering. DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a nationally used assessment for K–2 students that measures foundational reading skills — letter recognition, phonemic awareness, decoding, and early reading fluency. When students score below benchmark on DIBELS, it means they are not on track to read on grade level without targeted intervention.
Schools Where More Than Half of K–2 Students Are Reading Below Grade Level:
Several IRSD schools have a majority of early-grade students beginning the year below benchmark:
North Georgetown Elementary
82% of kindergarteners reading below grade level
64% of 2nd graders reading below grade level
Georgetown Elementary School
81% of kindergarteners reading below grade level
Long Neck Elementary
More than half of all K–2 students reading below grade level
John M. Clayton Elementary
More than half of all K–2 students reading below grade level
These numbers show a clear reality: in several schools, most of our youngest students begin the year already behind in reading. For a district focused on improving literacy, this highlights the need for strong curriculum materials, consistent use of the Science of Reading, proper teacher training, and clearly defined districtwide targets for improvement.
Where Reading Instruction Is Working
Meanwhile, two IRSD schools are performing exceptionally well:
Southern Delaware School of the Arts (SDSA): 95% of first graders are at or above grade level.
Lord Baltimore Elementary: Strong performance across all early grades.
These schools demonstrate what is possible when high-quality instruction, materials, and support systems are in place.
Delaware Already Has the Framework to Improve Reading
Delaware passed its statewide Science of Reading law (HB 304) in 2022. Signed by Governor Carney on August 29, 2022, the law requires:
Reading instruction aligned with the Science of Reading
Teacher training in evidence-based literacy practices
Universal reading screenings three times per year
Full implementation by the 2027–2028 school year
The intent is simple: consistent, research-based reading instruction so that all Delaware students have the opportunity to read on grade level by third grade.
Questions That Still Need Answers
Despite the law and tools already in place, several important questions remain unanswered in IRSD:
What percentage of IRSD teachers are fully trained in our literacy program?
What percentage of ELA students are receiving that instruction consistently?
What is IRSD’s numerical goal for reducing the number of at-risk readers this year?
When asked about the district’s goals for improving reading and math proficiency, the Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Renee Jerns, said they were “in the DIBELS report.” However, while DIBELS provides student-level benchmarks, it does not include any districtwide targets. At this time, IRSD has no publicly stated goal for how much reading or math proficiency should improve this year.
Parents and taxpayers deserve clarity.
What About Demographics?
Some readers may assume that the lower-performing elementary schools simply have higher numbers of Hispanic or English-Learner students (multi language learner or MLL). While districtwide data does show achievement gaps for these subgroups, the evidence does not support demographics as the sole explanation for struggling schools.
Several IRSD schools with similar demographics perform far better, and SDSA and Lord Baltimore demonstrate that all students — including English-Learners — can achieve at high levels when instruction is consistent and aligned with the Science of Reading.
In short: Demographics may correlate with performance gaps, but they do not determine outcomes. Instructional quality is likely the decisive factor in improving reading proficiency.
Reading Proficiency Conclusion
IRSD is committed to implementing the Science of Reading, which Delaware law requires to be fully in place by the 2027–2028 school year. The district has already begun this work, but what is now needed is more consistent, widespread use of these evidence-based practices across all schools.
Equally important is the establishment of clear, measurable districtwide goals for improvement. Progress will be tracked not only at the beginning of the year, but also at the Middle-of-Year (with updated DIBELS data expected in February 2026) and at the end of the school year. Transparent reporting of these results will help families, educators, and the Board understand whether the district is on track — and where additional support may be needed.
Policy: Should Taxpayers Be Allowed to Request School Library Book Reviews?
Under current policy, only students, parents or guardians may request reviews of school library books. At the meeting, School Board member Dr. Michelle Parsons proposed expanding this right to all district residents, noting that taxpayers fund the schools and should have a pathway for concerns to be heard. Fellow District 4 school board member Mrs. Anita West Werner supported the proposal.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Renee Jerns explained that state law — House Bill 119 (2023) — restricts who may initiate a school library material review. HB 119 allows only students, their parents or guardians, and school employees to file a challenge. Community members who are not parents or staff are not permitted to do so.
Because HB 119 passed largely along party lines, any effort to broaden who may file a book review request would require the General Assembly to amend the statute.
Superintendent Report: Discipline, Vaping & Accountability
Vaping continues to be a growing concern in IRSD high schools, not just as a discipline issue but as an addiction and health issue, mirroring troubling national trends. Students who vape often do so compulsively, and disciplinary consequences alone are not enough to address underlying nicotine dependence.
The district previously joined a national lawsuit against major vaping manufacturers for targeting minors with addictive products and marketing, and IRSD ultimately received approximately $200,000 as its share of the settlement. These funds are intended to support prevention programs, student education, and efforts to curb vaping addiction in our schools.
How these funds will be allocated and evaluated for effectiveness has not yet been determined.
Final Thoughts
The November 24th IRSD Board meeting highlighted many of the issues that matter most to families and taxpayers: transparency in decision-making, responsible management of large construction projects, clear literacy goals for our youngest learners, and a thoughtful response to growing challenges like vaping. What emerged throughout the night was the same theme we hear across our community — people want well-run schools, clear information, and a district that sets measurable goals and follows through on them.
The community is always welcome to attend IRSD committee meetings, which include Curriculum, Buildings & Grounds, Policy, Finance, and the Futures Committee. Committee meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Millsboro Middle School. School Board meetings are also open to the public, include time for public comment, and take place on the fourth Monday of every month. Board meetings can be attended in person or streamed live online, making it easier for residents to stay informed and engaged.
The 38th District Southern Delaware Republican Club will continue to keep our community informed, ask clear questions, and shine a light on the issues that affect students, parents, educators, and taxpayers in our district.
You can also email your District 4 School Board members with any questions or comments. Both welcome hearing from community members and value public input.
Dr. Michelle Parsons: Michelle.Parsons@irsd.k12.de.us
Mrs. Anita West Werner: Anita.Werner@irsd.k12.de.us
***
If you like what we do and would like to help support our mission, please send us a donation. We thank you for choosing to keep the 38th District Republican Club a success and a beaming light of conservative values in Delaware!
Like our logo? Buy a t-shirt or hat here!
*************************************************************************
Do you want to get more involved locally? The 38th District includes Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Selbyville and Frankford. YOU can make a difference! Email info@38thdrcp.com for more information. Also, sign up for the State GOP e-Newsletters here.
Listen to WGMD 92.7 and 98.5 for local news!
*******************************************************
Join the GOP:
Good Ordinary People who have common sense and will put an end to the nonsense!
Join the 38th District Republican Club and Subscribe to our e-Newsletter. If you like what we do and stand for, consider sending us your financial support.
To Donate Make check payable to:
38th DRCP
PO Box 184
Frankford, DE 19945
We meet the first Monday of the month, excluding holidays. For questions please
Email: info@38thdrcp.com
Upcoming Meetings
38th Club Dinner/Meeting, Monday, December 1, 6:00pm, Mio Fratello, Selbyville
Sussex GOP Region Meeting, January 12th, 6:30pm, Millsboro Fire Hall (?)
IRSD Committee Meetings, Monday, December 8, Millsboro Middle, 4pm-7pm
IRSD School Board Meetings, Monday, December 22, 6:30pm, Millsboro Middle
38th Club Meeting, Monday, January 5, 6:30pm, South Coastal Library, Bethany Beach
We welcome your support as we support conservative values and responsible government.
This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only. The content provided is for general information and entertainment purposes, and should not be construed as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Club. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance or conduct their own research when making decisions based on the information provided in this newsletter. The Club does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented in this newsletter and will not be held liable for any errors or omissions. Website paid for by the 38th District Republican Club PAC and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.