For the first time in Delaware, districts and charter schools are receiving weighted funding to better support the state’s most disadvantaged students. Working with the General Assembly, Governor Carney set aside $75 million over three years for English learners, low-income students and new mental health support in schools. This includes:
Million
in Opportunity Funding
Million
in Mental Health & Reading Support
2019-20 School Year
Investments
$25
Million
Direct to Schools
200+
New Educators and Professionals Hired to Focus
on Low-Income and English Learner Students
19
Districts
Served
21
Charters
Served
$4
Million
Curriculum, Professional Development
$3
Million
Facilities, Programs
“High quality pre-kindergarten is one of the best investments we can make. It’s linked to fuller, richer lives for children and their families.”
- Kim Brancato, Appoquinimink Preschool Program and Preschool Labs Director
“We are already seeing a difference in our students.”
- Bridget Amory, Director of Student Learning, Milford School District
“The funding for this grant has allowed our school to implement a new multi-tiered support system that has resulted in tremendous growth for our children struggling with math and reading.”
- Denise Stouffer, Head of School, Providence Creek Academy in Clayton
District & Charter
Spending
Over the next three years, the Delaware Department of Education will work with district and school leaders, community representatives, families and educators to evaluate how districts and charters are using the Opportunity Funding and mental health/reading support, and to measure student progress. Learn more about how each district and charter school plans to use these funds.



- Opportunity Funding Contract
- Mental health/reading support contract: Harlan Elementary
Get Involved
Oversight Committee on Opportunity Funding
Governor Carney signed an executive order that established the Oversight Committee on Opportunity Funding to ensure that the initiative is achieving its goals to support low-income students, and English learners, and close achievement gaps in Delaware schools. This oversight committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the Opportunity Funding program, publish best practices, make recommendations on the future of the program, and ensure the public is aware of the steps that school districts and charter schools are taking to close achievement gaps.
Be engaged in this process. Attend one of the upcoming Opportunity Funding Advisory Committee Meetings.