05/15/2025
I don't know where to begin, but Tuesday was a good day. Thanks to so many who helped spread our message that schools build communities. You donated time that you could have spent with your family, you donated your money in a tough economy, you posted yard signs, you spoke to your friends, family, and neighbors, you listened, you witnessed, you believed, and, thanks to all of you, we delivered.
This campaign started with the simple belief that schools build communities but that the Board needed to prepare itself to face new challenges from a federal government that seems intent on dismantling the Department of Education, making funding cuts the would eliminate free and reduced cost school meals to school children, issuing executive orders that would erase our rich history, intimidating our immigrant communities, and standing by while 17 states seek a federal injunction declaring Section 504 accommodations are unconstitutional. We stood up for the belief that every student is entitled to equal protection and the equitable opportunity to learn. We stood up for the belief that when we support our teachers and school workers they deliver results. We stood up for the belief that the Brandywine School District community is the best in Delaware. We stood up for public education. And we won.
There is a lot of gratitude to go around. To the Brandywine Education Association: I was privileged to earn your trust and your endorsement. Your members are the hardest working professionals in Delaware, and they do a world class job educating our students and developing their character. To all of the elected officials who represent the Brandywine School District community at the county and state level and in the City of Wilmington, I genuinely appreciate the insights you offered, the invitations to speak to your constituents, the endorsements you made, and the resources you provided. To all of the donors: your generosity moved me. It allowed us to print signs and literature, develop graphics, film ads, and spread our message to the community.
Sarah Grace Fulton who managed this campaign from the beginning (all while holding a real job and being a mom), is simply a force of nature. She helped fundraise, she managed the social media accounts, she edited and drafted messages, she made connections, she worked on the literature, she organized outreach and calendars, she tallied votes, and it goes on! Above all that though, she is one of those people who boosts the confidence of those around her, and I will never forget that.
Jesse Chadderdon who provided the strategy and communications (also while holding down a real job) that made this campaign resonate. Persuasive and principled, Jesse was the first person I called when I thought about running for school board, and his immediate support assured me I was making the right decision.
There are many others on the campaign who played critical roles in Tuesday's outcomes but who are not on FB. To them and all the volunteers, you have my deepest gratitude and I am indebted to you.
I look forward to working with all of my new colleagues on the Board, but I regret missing the opportunity to work with Dr. Shawn Jegede - BSD Board Member. Uplifting and righteous, Dr. Jegede is unapologetic about doing good. I appreciate your insight, your encouragement, and the example you set.
Finally, to the one who has supported me since 2001, from finishing undergrad, to the Peace Corps, to law school, to opening a solo trial practice, to raising the most wonderful children, to encouraging me on this campaign while also taking over my share of the housework, the absolute love of my life: Brianne Jordan. You do it all, you do it well, and you make it look effortless even though it never is. I love you.
