First State Educate launches free training program for school board members

First State Educate’s launch of its training program encourages prospective and active school board members to learn the skills needed to do their job effectively. (Photo by LuckyBusiness/Getty Images iStockphoto)

A new statewide initiative is aiming to bolster school board leadership across Delaware by equipping newly elected members with free, practical training and support from day one.

First State Educate (FSE), a nonprofit education advocacy organization, officially launched Board First 2025, a no-cost, comprehensive training program tailored for Delaware’s school board members.

The initiative is designed to strengthen governance in public education and improve student outcomes by providing high-quality resources, hands-on tools, and structured guidance.

“Participating in First State Educate’s training has been an incredibly valuable experience,” said said Patty Maull, a newly-elected member of the Cape Henlopen School Board. “I’ve gained important knowledge and insight that has prepared me to confidently begin my journey as a school board member.”

The launch was previewed at a virtual meeting on June 10, where school board members from New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties gathered to learn about the program. The strong turnout, organizers said, reflects a widespread desire for better preparation and more effective leadership.

“Our message to districts is simple,” said Julia Keleher, executive director of FSE. “If you want better outcomes for students, start by investing in board development. We’re offering a solution that’s free, actionable, and designed for immediate impact.”

The Board First 2025 program, available through FSE’s online Knowledge Hub, includes:

Self-paced modules on topics like ethics, finance, and governance basics;
Scenario-based learning and printable tools for effective board meetings;
A 90-day guided action plan with self-reflection and goal-setting resources;
Online discussion groups and peer cohorts to promote collaboration statewide.

Until now, Delaware lacked a centralized and evidence-based training program for school boards.

FSE says its offering fills that gap with a curriculum built on national research, including best practices recommended by the National School Boards Association. The program is designed to help boards set clear goals, manage resources responsibly, and improve academic results.

FSE plans to continue offering virtual training sessions and open discussions throughout the 2025–2026 school year.

Participation is open to all Delaware school board members—both new and experienced—regardless of their attendance at the launch event.

For more information or to access the training, click here.