Dr. Sara Hale, Former COO of the Milford School District, to run for the at-large seat on the Milford Board of Education

Dr. Sara Hale highlights a decade of operational leadership as she seeks a Milford school board seat

MILFORD, Del. — Dr. Sara Hale, the former chief operating officer of the Milford School District, has filed to run for the at-large seat on the Milford Board of Education, bringing more than a decade of hands-on district leadership and fiscal management experience to the race.

Hale spent 11 years in senior leadership roles with the district, first as chief financial officer and later as chief operating officer. In those roles, she was responsible for the full operational backbone of the school system — managing multimillion-dollar budgets, overseeing facilities and maintenance, directing child nutrition services, and coordinating transportation, payroll, benefits and technology.

District leaders credit Hale with helping guide Milford through multiple successful capital referendums, a process that requires detailed financial planning, public accountability and close coordination with state officials. Her tenure also included oversight of the planning and completion of the Milford Middle School project, one of the district’s largest recent construction initiatives.

As COO, Hale played a central role in implementing the district’s strategic plan, aligning daily operations with long-term academic and community goals. Her work focused on maintaining financial stability while ensuring schools had the resources needed to support students and staff.

“I am excited to hopefully continue serving the district in a new capacity,” Hale said in a statement. “I care deeply about our schools, our students and the people who make this district strong.”

Hale left the district in May 2025 to accept a position as assistant vice president for central budget at the University of Delaware, where she now works on institutional budgeting and financial planning. Before joining Milford, she served with the State of Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget, helping develop the governor’s recommended budget and supervising fiscal and policy analysts.

Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting and both a master’s degree and a doctorate in business administration, with a focus on organizational leadership.

Hale is also a parent of two children currently enrolled in Milford schools, a perspective she said keeps her grounded in the day-to-day realities facing families. She said her familiarity with Delaware’s school funding formulas, education regulations and district operations would allow her to contribute immediately if elected.

The at-large seat is opening as board Vice President Matt Bucher seeks election to the Delaware House of Representatives. At-large board seats are elected districtwide and are not tied to a specific geographic area.

School board elections in Delaware are held in May. Hale said she plans to spend the coming months meeting with residents, parents and educators to discuss the district’s priorities and future challenges.