Board Seeks Governor's Opt-In to Tax Credit
The Indian River school board voted to ask Delaware's governor to join the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Indian River Board of Education voted six to three, with one abstention, to direct staff to prepare a resolution urging Governor Matt Meyer to opt Delaware into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. The credit lets individuals receive a tax credit, capped at $1,700, for donations to nonprofits that fund scholarships for students in households earning under $300,000 per year.
Why it matters
Thirty-one other states have joined the program, and the board's request would ask Delaware to follow suit. The proposal has drawn opposition from the Indian River Education Association and state and national teachers unions.
The federal credit is capped at $1,700 per individual and targets households earning under $300,000 annually. Whether Delaware's governor will act on the board's request has not been determined.
The players
Indian River Board of Education
The local governing body for the Indian River School District in Delaware, responsible for setting district policy and directing staff.
Matt Meyer
The Governor of Delaware, whose decision would determine whether the state opts into the federal tax credit program.
Indian River Education Association
The local teachers' union representing educators in the Indian River School District, which opposes the tax credit.
The details
Board member Michelle Parsons said some children need additional instruction that families cannot afford. Funds collected through the credit can be used for private school costs or for nonprofits offering extracurricular supports and activities.
Timeline
The board vote took place the week before November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit has been adopted by 31 other states, and Delaware's board is asking its governor to add the state to that list. The local push runs against stated opposition from state and national teachers unions.
If Delaware opts into the credit, individuals could donate up to $1,700 to nonprofits and receive a tax credit for that donation. Eligible families earning under $300,000 per year could then apply for scholarships funded by those donations.
The takeaway
The debate centers on whether tax-credit-funded scholarships expand options for families who cannot afford extra instruction, or divert public support from the schools that serve all students. Residents following the issue can track how Governor Meyer responds to the board's request.
Further reading
For more on school choice debates, see Secondary Education coverage across Delaware.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Delaware Public Media.
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Should Delaware opt into the federal education tax credit that funds private school scholarships?
