Delaware Association for Public Administration Excerpts from Lt. Gov. Matt Denn’s Comments
see > December 2009 event
Keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Matt Denn talked about the struggle the state is having in two critical areas—employment and education.
Denn said that the key to attracting business to Delaware is the state government’s willingness to continue to be nimble and responsive.
As far as education reform is concerned, Denn spoke of the interdependence of local business and the public education system. “We tell businesses that a number of good things have happened.” He offered three points of progress so far in 2009, despite the challenges:
- Replaced of the Delaware State Testing Program with a test that will measure progress through the school year, which will help more accurately assess schools.
“This will allow teachers to figure out earlier in the year which of their kids are having problems and in what areas,” Denn explained.
- Passed a law that will force school districts to put a minimum percentage of their budgeted dollars into the classroom.
Delaware is second nationally in per capita education spending. “Where we [haven’t done] very well is the percentage of that money that actually makes it to the classroom. This represents a ton of money. We will try to push local school districts to put that money where it ought to go,” Denn said.
- Passed a bill that uses federal stimulus money this year and next year to provide $150,000 in financial rewards each to five schools for closing the achievement gap, potentially a model for other states.
Denn said that he’s proud that the state did it with our teachers. “Our state teachers union worked with us on this. We’re one of only one or two states in the country that have put a program in place that financially rewards schools that do well on tests. As money becomes available, we want to do this on a broader scale. It’s going to be a terrific model.”
In terms of the job environment, Denn insisted that he and Gov. Markell need to be out “hustling,” basically doing sales work, in order to try to get businesses to come to Delaware.
Thanks to Kevin Quinlan for taking the photo.