NOTICE: 10/18
Tonight’s school choice event is at William Penn High School in the Innovation Center
not at George Read Middle School.
2017 William Penn Hall of Fame
October 13th, 2017
Clarion Hotel
School Choice Night! October 18 at 5:30 pm
Join us to learn about school choice! October 18 at 5:30 pm at William Penn High School
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Colonial Referendum Passes!
New Castle, DE- Voters in the Colonial School District tonight overwhelming passed a referendum request for .38 per $100 of assessed property values (based on rates set in 1983), According to unofficial results from the Delaware Department of Elections, 5,742 residents voted in favor of the referendum, 3,880 against.
“This is a victory for our students and dedicated staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey. “I want to thank voters who showed they believe in the great work we are doing for the 10,000 students in our district by voting for the referendum.”
Last February Colonial failed to pass a referendum that included a capital request for secured entrances in all buildings. After losing by approximately 500 votes, that portion of the district’s request was taken off the table. Tonight voters approved funding that will maintain current programs and class sizes while restoring most staff; all new initiatives were removed from the request.
In order to meet a state-mandated May 15 deadline, Colonial officially notified 175 employees of layoffs if the referendum failed. Those employees included:
• 93 teachers
• 17 Administrators and Specialists
• 42 Paraprofessionals
• 8 custodians
• 9 secretaries
• 2 transportation workers
• 4 nutrition services workers
With state education cuts still pending, Blakey says it remains unclear how many staff members will be recalled but, “starting as soon as possible we will begin the process of making certain our district is whole again. We know our teachers and support staff are the backbone of our district and now that the voters have spoken, we hope to recall most of the employees who received layoff notices,” Blakey said.
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Colonial welcomes the class of 2031 tonight at our annual kindergarten carnival and choice night. Incoming kindergarteners were introduced to their new Colonial families while enjoying games, stories, snacks, visits from the animals at Penn Farm and even a moon bounce. Parents also joined us in William Penn's Innovation Center to learn more about all the great opportunities for choice students have in the upcoming school year. if you are interested in learning about choice, contact us at colonialschooldistrict.org
Tonight's school choice event is at William Penn High School in the Innovation Center not at George Read Middle School.
Reminder about our kindergarten registration event tonight at William Penn!
Kindergarten Carnival and Registration Night
October 18, 2017, 6:00pm - October 18, 2017, 6:30pm
Will your child be 5 by August 31, 2018? If so, this night is for YOU and YOUR CHILD! Come to register for the 2018-2019 school year and attend the Kindergarten Carnival! Attractions will include: - Meet the staff - - Obstacle Course - - Moon Bounce - - William Penn athletes - - Coloring stations - - Face Painting - - Music by William Penn scholars -
Workers from the Delaware River Bay Authority stopped by Castle Hills Elementary School to show off what it takes to keep our roads cleared. The students are taking part in a contest to name the DRAB's new mascot. The kindergarten students were thrilled to see the giant equipment!
The Colonial School District is a grade K through 12 public school district located in New Castle, Delaware. The district was formed on July 1, 1981, and is one of four districts established when the New Castle County School District was reorganized. The district serves approximately 10,000 students and has 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, one high school and two special needs schools.