The Christina School District Board of Education is set to address an undisclosed issue in its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Two agenda items, 13 and 14, have the education world talking. These items are said to propose the removal of Superintendent Dr. Dan Shelton, which would leave the district without a superintendent until July 2025.
The reasons behind the move to add the two items to Tuesday’s agenda remain unclear. Despite his recognized leadership and contributions to the Christina School District, some on the board are said to have pushed for the addition of the two agenda items. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and concern among teachers, parents, and community members, who are left questioning the underlying factors driving the decision.
Dr. Shelton was honored as Delaware’s Superintendent of the Year in 2022 by The School Superintendents Association (AASA). The award recognized Dr. Shelton’s exceptional leadership and dedication to public education, particularly during the 2020-21 school year when he served as president of the Delaware Chief School Officers Association.
The Christina Education Association (CEA) has voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the significant financial cost of removing Dr. Shelton, estimated to exceed $750,000. These expenses would cover contract buyouts, interim superintendent appointments, and the search for a permanent replacement according to an email sent to CEA members. The CEA’s email urged teachers, parents, and community members to attend the meeting to voice their concerns and prevent what they see as a financially and educationally detrimental decision.
The meeting is scheduled to begin in open session at 5:30 p.m. at Glasgow High School, with an Executive Session expected shortly thereafter. The Board will reconvene in public session around 7:00 p.m.