Delaware’s P-20 Council brings together education decision makers from across the state to align and communicate programs, policies, and partnership opportunities in support of Delaware students. The council is focused on making certain all children enter school ready to learn, receive challenging instruction throughout their school careers and graduate from high school prepared for the college and career paths of their choice. The P-20 Council promotes connections among the following Delaware groups: Early childhood education, K-12 educators, higher education, community-based organizations and business leaders. Based on its vision and mission, the council established research questions to focus the work of the council and its subcommittees.

  • Are children from birth to age 8 on track to succeed when they enter school and beyond?
  • Are students prepared to enter and succeed in career and continuing education?
  • Are teachers and leaders prepared and receiving growth and development opportunities that support professional growth and student success?

Vision Statement

The P-20 Council will support an integrated and seamless education system that spans from birth through higher education and enables children to enter school ready to learn, receive challenging instruction throughout their school careers, and graduate from high school with a comprehensive education that prepares them to be ready for college and careers, and be productive and successful citizens.

Mission Statement

The mission of the P-20 Council is to:

  • Use data and research to inform policy and practice and strengthen the integration of Delaware’s education system;
  • Communicate about programs, policies, and partnership opportunities within and across institutions;
  • Identify problems and generate solutions to align and improve standards, programs, and systems to accomplish the vision of the P-20 Council.

Additional Information

Delaware’s P-20 Council membership is defined in Delaware Code, Title 14 to include representatives from education, the legislature, the business community and more. A focus on diversity contributes to the council’s ability to fully understand the impact of its decisions as well as to remove barriers, limit duplication of effort and gain support of those who influence policy and authorize funding.

Name Position Organization
Mark Holodick (Co-Chair) Secretary Department of Education
Shawn Brittingham (Co-Chair) President State Board of Education
Madeleine Bayard Chair Early Childhood Council
Purnima Montagne Board Member Delaware PTA
Karryl Hubbard Secretary Department of Labor
Dana Davisson Program Director Relay Graduate School of Education
Juliann Villecco Chief Policy Officer Department of Health and Social Services
Matthew Burrows Chair Chief State School Officers Association
Stephanie Ingram President DSEA
Senator Laura Sturgeon Chair Senate Education Committee
Representative Kimberly Williams Chair House Education Committee
Gary Henry Dean of the College of Education and Human Development University of Delaware
Justin Day Chief of Partner Services Department of Technology and Information
Kendall Massett Executive Director Delaware Charter Schools Network
Justina Thomas Vice President for Academic Affairs Delaware Technical and Community College
Alonna Berry Policy Advisor Office of the Governor
Kimberly Sudler Associate Vice President for Academic Operations Delaware State University
Jim Wilson Vice President for Academic Affairs Wilmington University
Steve Yeatman Deputy Secretary Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
Michael Quaranta President Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
Jac Rivers Vice President, JP Morgan Chase Delaware Business Roundtable – Education Committee

  • The Delaware P-20 Council was established in 2003 and placed in statute in 2005.
  • Meeting information – Attend P-20 Council meetings and subcommittee meetings. Access past meeting minutes, upcoming dates and agendas. All meetings are open to the public.
  • Delaware’s P-20 Council membership is defined in code to include representatives from education, the legislature, the business community and more.

Subcommittees

Established In 2019, the Early Literacy Subcommittee focuses on reviewing and recommending early literacy supports for educators through institutes of higher education. Objectives,

  • Review current industry-recognized credentials, certifications, and undergraduate curriculum aligned with the five essential components of reading instruction and identify other opportunities to increase preparation for reading instruction
  • Review current graduate coursework and continuing education pathways to support early reading proficiency amongst in-service teachers seeking advanced credentials
  • Make recommendations related to the improvement of existing programs, policies, or the creation of new professional development opportunities for teachers and leaders related to increase literacy knowledge and skills

Established in July 2016, the remediation subcommittees are charged with identifying the policy shifts and P-20 partnerships required to eliminate remediation for Delaware students.