I’ve got some big news for you today, but first, I want to tell you why it matters:

“Young lady, no matter what…you WILL get an education.” 

My grandmother Nelly, who had to drop out of school after eighth grade to work on the family farm, said these words to me over and over again when I was a kid.

And John, I listened: I became the first person in my family to go to college. Our public schools prepared me to become a nurse, a legislator, and even a teacher myself!

I know personally that a high-quality education is nothing less than life-changing, which is why I’m so proud to share that I’ve been endorsed by the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), a union that represents our state’s over 12,000 educators and public school employees!

As the only career educator in this race, it’s a badge of honor that our public school heroes have chosen to put their faith in me and my work. DSEA recognizes that my background as an educator has informed my work improving public schools to best prepare our next generation for college and careers.

I’ve supported historic investments in education at every level, including: 

• Doubling funding for early childhood assistance programs 
• Building new schools across the state 
• And raising teacher pay to draw the best talent to our schools

I’m a proud product of public education, and I’m the only candidate running who has attended Delaware’s public schools – Frankford Elementary, Selbyville Middle, and Indian River for high school. I know our system in and out – and my extensive experience will guide my priorities in office.

When decisions are being made about education in the First State, I’ll make sure that our educators get the resources they need to give our children the brightest futures possible. I’ve done the work, and you have my word: as your next Governor, I will never stop working until children from all zip codes have the resources they need to succeed.