SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – Voters in the Indian River and Cape Henlopen school districts will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 13, to decide contested school board races. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here’s a breakdown of those two races, as well as a look at some responses from a candidate survey conducted by First State Educate.
Nominating District 1
Nominating District 1 has two open seats. Three candidates are running:
Dereck Booth (Candidate chose not to respond to the survey)
Lisa Hudson Briggs (Candidate chose not to respond to the survey)
Kelly Kline (Candidate chose not to respond to the survey)
The seat carries a four-year term expiring June 30, 2029.
Nominating District 2 and Nominating District 4
Nominating District 2 has one open seat. Jerry Peden, Jr. is the only candidate. Patricia Hall, who had also filed, withdrew in March. As a result, no election will be held for this seat. Nominating District 4 also has one open seat. Michelle F. Parsons is the sole candidate, and no election will be held. The four-year term for the seats expires June 30, 2029.
Polling Places
On May 13, polls in the district will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must bring proof of identity and address, such as a Delaware driver’s license, Delaware ID card, a work ID with photo and home address, or official U.S. mail showing a street address.
Polling locations include:
Georgetown Elementary School at 301-A West Market Street
Department of Elections Warehouse at 542 South Bedford Street.
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Friday, May 9. The deadline for voting with an absentee ballot in person at the Sussex County office of the Department of Elections at 119 North Race Street in Georgetown is noon on Monday, May 12
At-Large
Two candidates are running for one seat:
William W. (Bill) Collick
- In a survey conducted by First State Educate, Collick said, "I believe that I am uniquely qualified to serve on my local school board as I have effectively worked in the field of education for almost 50 years beginning in elementary with stints in high school and higher education as well."
Chris Lovenguth
- Lovenguth also participated in the survey conducted by First State Educate. When asked about the most pressing challenges currently facing the district Lovenguth said, "Overcrowding is starting to be a big thing with the influx of people moving into our area so I think it’s time for the county to make sure that all of these building projects that tax money would be given to the school with each development that has been built."
The term runs through June 30, 2029.
Nominating District C
There is one open seat for Nominating District C. Three candidates are running:
Andy Lewis (Candidate chose not to respond to the survey)
Patty Maull
- When asked about the most pressing challenges currently facing the district, Maull responded to the First State Educate survey saying, "Student Achievement gaps, I would support implementing interventions like tutoring, expanded access to technology, and increased funding for resources for our teachers mental health and student well being. I would support increasing access to school mental health counselors and promote a school culture that prioritizes mental health support."
Laura Parsons
- When asked about engaging families and the community in the district, Parsons responded to the First State Educate survey saying, "I believe that at the end of each marking period, surveys/forums/town halls, etc. should occur for parents, teachers, administrators, school board members and community groups to convene to discuss topics and evaluate set checkpoints. This should be done both in person and electronically and include anonymity for those who prefer it. Parent-teacher conferences are often on an “as-needed basis", however, regular check-ins for both positive and negative feedback are essential to foster communication and collaboration."
This race carries a three-year term, ending June 30, 2028.
Nominating District B
Nominating District B has one open seat. Jason Bradley is the only candidate. No election will be held for this district. The term expires June 30, 2029.
Polling Places
On May 13, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voters in the Cape Henlopen School District. All voters must bring proof of identity and address, which can include a Delaware driver’s license, Delaware ID card, work ID with photo and home address, or official U.S. mail with a street address.
Polling locations include:
Cape Henlopen High School at 1250 Kings Highway in Lewes
Mariner Middle School at 16391 Harbeson Road in Milton
Rehoboth Elementary School at 500 Stockley Street in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Fire Company Station Number 2 at 36027 Airport Road in Rehoboth Beach.
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Friday, May 9. The deadline for voting with an absentee ballot in person at the Sussex County office of the Department of Elections at 119 North Race Street in Georgetown is noon on Monday, May 12.
More information on School Board Elections in Delaware can be found online.