Area C voters will decide between longtime Milford educator Cynthia McKenzie and challenger Nik Dutta-Roy on May 12

MILFORD — Voters in Milford School District’s Area C school board race will choose between a longtime educator with nearly four decades of experience in the district and a first-time candidate emphasizing STEM education, literacy and fresh perspectives in local government.

The election will take place May 12 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cynthia McKenzie: Veteran Milford Educator Seeking Full Term

Although Cynthia McKenzie currently serves on the Milford School Board, she is running to retain the Area C seat after initially being appointed following the resignation of former board member Dr. Adam Brownstein.

Background information and candidate statements from McKenzie were previously published by the Milford Times during the candidate filing period earlier this year.

McKenzie retired as principal of Lulu M. Ross Elementary School after a 39-year career in education, nearly all of it spent within the Milford School District.

Originally from western Pennsylvania, McKenzie earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh before moving to Delaware with her husband, Patrick, when he accepted a position at Milford Memorial Hospital.

She later earned a master’s degree from the University of Delaware and an administration certificate from Wilmington University.

McKenzie said both of her daughters attended Milford schools and credited the district with helping prepare them for successful careers.

“Both our children went through Milford School District where I believe they received an excellent education which enabled them to become successful adults,” McKenzie said.

Throughout her career, McKenzie worked in multiple roles across the district, including classroom teacher, remedial reading instructor, gifted education teacher and administrator. She taught grades first through sixth before spending her final 14 years as principal at Ross Elementary.

McKenzie said her decades working under multiple superintendents and alongside numerous school boards have given her insight into how board decisions affect students, teachers and families.

“As a former parent, teacher and administrator in Milford School District, I feel my experiences with the various district roles have provided me with a unique insight into how decisions made by the board might affect the students and staff within the district,” McKenzie said.

One of the biggest challenges facing the district, she said, is maintaining and expanding school facilities amid growing enrollment and delayed state funding approvals for capital projects.

McKenzie also said she hopes to advocate for childcare support for district employees, arguing that rising daycare costs have contributed to staff turnover.

“If we want to raise or improve our test results, it is vital that we retain the most qualified staff,” McKenzie said. “Daycare opportunities could attract staff who might otherwise go elsewhere.”

She said her longstanding relationships throughout the Milford community would help strengthen collaboration between the board, district staff and families.

“Milford is a small community; it is important that everyone within our community work together to grow our students,” McKenzie said.

Nik Dutta-Roy: Engineer Offering Fresh Perspective

Challenger Nik Dutta-Roy is making his first run for public office after relocating to Milford in 2024.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Dutta-Roy moved east to attend college and earned a chemical engineering degree from Drexel University in 2019.

He currently works as a quality systems engineer for Qnity, formerly part of DuPont, at the company’s Tralee Park facility near Newark.

Dutta-Roy said he was motivated to run because he wants to become more involved in local policymaking and believes strong public schools helped shape his own career path.

He has acknowledged that he does not currently have children in the district but says he hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the board.

His campaign priorities include improving literacy proficiency, strengthening disciplinary practices, expanding STEM opportunities through partnerships with colleges and universities, and increasing financial literacy education for students.

Election Details

Three seats are up for election this year in the Milford School District: Area C, Area D and an At-Large seat.

McKenzie currently holds the Area C position, while current Board Vice President Matt Bucher chose not to seek reelection for the At-Large seat. As of early filing updates, no candidate had formally filed for the Area D seat currently held by Board President Scott Fitzgerald.

School board elections are scheduled for May 12, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Any resident living within the Milford School District who is age 18 or older may vote. Only residents living within Area C or Area D may vote for candidates in those specific races.

Voters are encouraged to confirm polling information and identification requirements with the Delaware Department of Elections before Election Day.