DPPI's Ongoing Projects

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Financing Delaware Education: A Business Initiative
The Delaware Public Policy Institute (DPPI) has embarked on an ambitious study of education financing in Delaware. In October 2001, the DPPI steering committee approved the proposal for Phase One of “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Financing Delaware Education: A Business Initiative” -- a two-phase study that grew directly out of “Choices for Delaware: Life and the Economy in 2000 and Beyond.” “Choices for Delaware” concluded that education is increasingly crucial to Delaware’s long-term economic vitality. This conclusion was consistent with many previous studies, as well as the efforts of the Business/Public Education Council, the Business Roundtable and the work of present and past administrations and the General Assembly.

DPPI believes that there is ample incentive for continued business engagement in the drive to improve the state’s education system. To continue the decade-long involvement by the business community, DPPI is undertaking a study to thoroughly identify and analyze the current sources and uses of educational funds in Delaware.

Comprehensive Study
DPPI has commissioned The College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy (CHEP) of the University of Delaware to conduct a comprehensive study that will assess how current financial resources are being invested in public education. The study will address the sources and allocation of funding for K-12 education, how allocated funds are utilized and how much of the funding is reaching the classroom.

Phase One
Included in Phase One of the study will be the following:

· Analysis of the current education budget in terms of system-wide resource allocation and utilization.

· Assessment of the cost of existing district organization, including how key state institutions might creatively reduce organizational overhead.

· Selective research of best financial practices elsewhere that could be replicated in Delaware.


Phase One is expected to be complete by September 2002. Phase Two, which will be cosponsored by the Business Roundtable and the Business/Public Education Council will study and formulate possible solutions to the overall funding issue, taking into account best practices in school siting and construction, school management, instructional leadership, recruiting and hiring practices.

Baseline Economic Data
DPPI will also continue to work with the University of Delaware to update the baseline economic data established through the “Choices for Delaware” project so that policymakers will have reliable, valid information upon which to base short- and long-term strategies for growth.