Wilmington City Council to launch Office of Educational Advocacy

WILMINGTON – The Wilmington City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to create an Office of Educational Advocacy.

Prior to an 11-0 ‘Yay’ vote – with two council members absent – many shared emotional anecdotes on why the office is essential, in line with a press conference announcing the proposal Wednesday.

All speakers, in one way or another, explained how the education system is failing, how the city’s children deserve better, and how important it is to have government and community organizations come together to better serve the city’s youngest learners.

Support from City Council

“The time is now for Wilmington City Council to respond to the call of action,” said District 4 Councilwoman Michelle Harlee.

Several jarring statistics detailing the troubles of Wilmington education were raised: Less than half of city students test at grade level in math compared to non-city students, and only 26% of Wilmington students are at grade level in English compared to 56% of non-city students.

The office is intended to prepare students for the world.

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On a grander scale, it’s the hope that improving education will reduce crime and the fear of crime while also bringing more business and economic development to Wilmington.

The office will position the city council to take a proactive role in addressing the challenges faced by Wilmington’s youth by working closely with families, schools, and organizations. 

It will also fill the gaps of the Wilmington Learning Collaborative and the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity, which are both educational advocacy groups funded by the state that implement policies and form partnerships with community organizations in the city of Wilmington and north New Castle County.

District 7 Councilman Chris Johnson said the creation of the Office of Educational Advocacy helps the council hone in on its North Star of focusing on the city’s youth. 

“We do not know all of the answers,” said Council President Trippi Congo. “It’s going to take all of us just to just to help our children.”