Caroline Coleman

Caroline Coleman
Age36
Delaware NativeYes
Children in districtYes
ProfessionStay at home mom

Bio

I am a proud Delaware girl through and through! I grew up in the district and have lived in Delaware my entire life. I have two Bachelor’s degrees from college in Communications and Psychology. These days, I am a devoted wife and mother of three beautiful children in the district. I am an active member of the community, frequently volunteering at school events, on the Parent Teacher Association, and with my church. I attend most if not all monthly board meetings. I am a strong believer that parent’s voices need to be represented and heard when it comes to the education of their children.

What is the most important issue facing the school district? How do you plan to address it?

In my view, the most important issue facing our district is the need for greater accountability and transparency. I plan to implement policies that promote open communication and collaboration between school officials, parents, and community members, and to ensure that all decisions made by the School Board are based on the best interests of our students.

What kind of mental health support would you like to see in schools and how would you advocate for it?

Especially following the effects of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to provide students with a variety of mental health resources. As a potential School Board member, I would like to see more mental health resources such as peer support programs, mindfulness practices, and professional counseling services available to students. I plan to advocate for partnerships with mental health organizations and increasing access to mental health care for students.”

How should the school board approach curriculum topics/books/materials that members of the community want removed?

While decisions to remove certain topics or materials from the curriculum should be thoughtful and measured, I believe that parents and guardians are the best suited to judge what their children are ready for and what is appropriate for them. Therefore, as a school board member, I would prioritize the parents’ input in order to make sure the curriculum is best suited to our students, especially in terms of their ages and maturity levels.

Do you support the passage of HB96, which would reduce the eligible voting age for school board elections from 18 to 16?

I do not support the passage of HB96. I think school boards and school board elections are an opportunity for parents and community members who are not inside the schools every day to learn what is happening in schools and what the community can do to have an impact. I fear that if HB96 were to be passed, teachers and administrators would have too much influence on elections because they could potentially try to coerce students into voting for candidates they prefer. As a candidate myself, I think we should trust parents to make the best decisions for their families.