Delaware’s Education Power Players and Their 2026 Game Plan

The state’s education budget has been in the spotlight for years, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. A group of leaders—school district finance chiefs, policy advocates, nonprofit heads, and state officials—are all working to keep schools funded while navigating a new property tax assessment that has left many homeowners and school boards scrambling. In New Castle County, district CFOs like Emily Falcon and Bob Vacca had to rebuild their tax base from scratch because state law didn’t spell out how to handle the first reassessment in four decades. They were left with incomplete data until June 2025, and they had to estimate risks for over five thousand properties still on appeal. Their work was a mix of math, risk assessment, and community outreach as they answered board questions and fielded calls from residents. The situation grew more complex when, in August 2025, lawmakers forced the districts to split rates between commercial and residential properties for the first time. Meanwhile, experts such as Falcon have been called to testify before legislative committees and the Public Education Funding Commission. Their testimony helps shape discussions about how school funding will be reformed, and their insights are crucial for lawmakers who want to understand the budget implications of any new policy. In early childhood education, Madeleine Bayard, senior VP at Rodel and chair of the state’s Early Childhood Council, is pushing for more research and programming to support children from birth through kindergarten. She sits on a cross‑agency committee that is preparing to launch an $11. 3 million grant for preschool development, showing how policy and funding can work together to improve early learning outcomes.The nonprofit Delaware Futures, led by Providenza Rocco, offers free academic support and mentorship to students across the state. Rocco’s background in social work fuels her focus on literacy and equity, and she plans to expand services into Kent County where the need is greatest. Her organization has been a steady source of help for students for three decades, proving that community‑based solutions can complement state efforts. At the Delaware State Education Association, Taylor Hawk balances her role on the Public Education Funding Commission with her work as director of legislative strategy for the largest teachers’ union. Hawk is a familiar face in Dover, advocating for an updated funding formula that has remained unchanged for 80 years. Her dual roles give her a unique perspective on both the policy side and the practical needs of teachers. Jamie Bailey at the University of Delaware’s BlueHen Recruitment Center is expanding opportunities for future teachers. She connects students with internships, labs, and residencies that prepare them for the classroom, while also leading a Teachers of Tomorrow pipeline program. Her work helps address teacher shortages and ensures that Delaware’s schools have qualified educators ready to start the next academic year. State officials such as Matthew Denn are also playing a key role. As co‑chair of the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity, Denn has guided public briefings on redistricting in northern Delaware. His leadership is helping to create a more equitable school district structure that could set the tone for future reforms. Finally, Kelly Sheridan at the Delaware Community Foundation oversees a scholarship program that has awarded over $800, 000 to more than 200 students in the last year. Her work ensures that talented students have the financial support they need to pursue higher education, helping to build a brighter future for the state. Together, these individuals and organizations illustrate how Delaware’s education system is evolving through collaboration, data‑driven decision making, and a shared commitment to student success.