Who Will Lead? Milford School Board Seeks New Voice Amid Major Decisions

Only 2 or 3 of these students will be able to read at Grade Level. Milford School District seeks new board member.

MILFORD, Del. — The Milford Board of Education is now accepting applications to fill a critical vacancy for its Area C seat, with the appointed individual set to serve through June 30, 2026.

Letters of interest and resumes must be submitted by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, to be considered for the appointment.

School board members play one of the most influential roles in local government, making decisions that shape educational priorities, determine district policies, and manage millions in taxpayer dollars. Their work impacts everything from student achievement to teacher support and school safety—and in Milford, that responsibility comes at a time of significant academic and financial challenges.

Among the most urgent concerns: Only 34% of students in the Milford School District are currently reading at grade level, a figure below the statewide average. Improving literacy outcomes has become a top priority for the district and a critical concern for families, educators and community leaders alike.

“This is a meaningful opportunity to serve your neighbors, help shape the future of public education, and ensure local voices continue to guide district policy,” the district said in its announcement.

Eligibility and How to Apply

To qualify, applicants must be:

A citizen of the United States and the state of Delaware
At least 18 years old
A resident of the Area C boundary (see below)
Not employed by the Milford School District
Free of disqualifying criminal convictions, including offenses related to children, sexual misconduct or public corruption

Candidates must pass a criminal background check and Child Protection Registry clearance prior to appointment.

Application materials should be submitted to:

Milford Board of Education
c/o Mrs. Donna Robinson, Administrative Secretary
906 Lakeview Ave., Milford, DE 19963
Or emailed to: drobinson@msd.k12.de.us

About Area C

Area C includes several prominent Milford neighborhoods, such as Shawnee Acres, Country Club Estates, Woodshaven, Meadows at Shawnee, Hearthstone Manor and Orchard Hill. The area spans a portion of eastern Sussex County and follows a defined boundary set by the district and state law.

A regular election will be held May 12, 2026, to determine who will serve the full four-year term beginning in July 2026.

The Role of the School Board

Board members are responsible for setting the district’s vision, approving annual budgets, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, establishing curriculum and discipline policies, and determining school boundaries. They serve as a bridge between the community and its schools, ensuring local control and accountability in public education.

Their influence reaches every classroom, teacher and family in the district—and with rising academic needs and tight fiscal realities, their leadership is more important than ever.

Recent Issues Facing the Board

In addition to the reading proficiency of Milford Public School students, the new appointee will join the board during a time of significant policy debate and reform. In the past year, the board approved $1.7 million in permanent budget cuts and placed a 1% earned income tax proposal on the November ballot to stabilize future funding.

The board also launched initiatives to reduce suspension rates at Milford High School and Milford Central Academy, particularly among low-income, Black, male and disabled students. New support systems, such as the BRIDGES program, have been implemented as part of a state-mandated discipline improvement plan.

Additionally, revisions to the district’s policy on controversial topics in classrooms—Policy 6103—drew strong community opposition and prompted the formation of a committee to review the matter further.

For more information, visit www.milfordschooldistrict.org.