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UD gets largest gift in history, $71.5M to transform business school

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The University of Delaware has secured its largest individual philanthropic contribution in history—a generous $71.5 million gift from alumni Robert L. Siegfried, Jr. and Kathleen Marie Siegfried, along with The Siegfried Group, LLP. This transformative donation will support the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and positions the college among the nation’s elite business schools. The gift, which is …

2024 NAEP results were released to the public Wednesday, and show little progress in on subject for Delawareans. (Photo by gece33/iStock Getty Images)

NAEP scores show increase in math scores, little change elsewhere

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

2024 data from what’s referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card” was released Wednesday, and while there’s still critical underperformance, Delaware’s making slight improvement in test scores and proficiency rates. Delaware is nine points below the national average for scores in eighth-grade math and seven points below in eighth-grade reading. Fourth-grade math scores were four points less than the national …

ChristianaCare Health Network unionized this week.

ChristianaCare becomes 1st house staff, 2nd pool of docs to unionize in Delaware

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Health

NEWARK – The ChristianaCare Health Network has officially become the second group of doctors and the first house staff in Delaware to successfully unionize. “It’s very exciting that Christiana residents have come together to form a union, creating the framework to support each other in each department’s needs,” said Dr. Layla Annous, a resident physician in medicine and pediatrics.  ChristianaCare …

Delaware-lead BEAD Program for internet access's final proposal was approved by the federal government. (Photo by Proxima Studio/Adobe Stock)

Del. leads national ‘Internet for All’ funding initiative

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

Delaware is leading the charge in the federal government’s mission to provide internet for all. Tuesday, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the First State’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The program is a key feature of the federal government’s “Internet for All” initiative to connect everyone in America …

Getting improved and transparent data is a critical baby step in the state's mission to improve Delaware's schools.

Delaware’s school awards spark data debate

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

A recent dispute over Delaware’s school recognition program highlights the growing challenge of measuring and communicating educational progress in an era of increasing data complexity.  The Delaware Department of Education recently awarded 17 schools with state and national recognition for achievements in student growth, closing achievement gaps, and serving special populations.  However, education policy expert Tanya Hettler, Ph.D., from the …

TSD Review Dec 19

Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – December 19, 2024

Sonja FreyTown Square Live, Weekly Review

This Week’s Top Stories Include Think tank exec questions legitimacy of state recognition of schools Nemours Children’s Health to invest $130M into Delaware facilities Wind-power substation’s rejection an “early Christmas present” for Sussex County UD to pay $715k to U.S. for NASA grant violations Dems bless Carney’s hospital cost review board picks while GOP abstain Click on the image below …

Medicaid

Delaware Medicaid spending rises sharply but experts question quality of care

Bradley VasoliHeadlines, Health

By Bradley Vasoli Spending on Medicaid, the federal-state healthcare program serving lower-income Americans, has climbed significantly in many states, including Delaware. But many experts believe care quality has decreased despite that — or because of it. In Fiscal Year 2023, the First State spent more than $3.34 billion in combined state and federal money on Medicaid, with the program covering …

Fixing the state's underperforming school districts is not unlike pushing a boulder up a hill.

Educators agree high absenteeism drives poor performance in 4 northern NCCo districts 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Delaware’s four most northern schools  – which make up four of the six largest districts in the state – have data metrics that can tell a number of stories, all of which keep parents, teachers, administrators, and even students awake at night. One story is about absenteeism. Another is about resources, another about the challenges of special student populations, and …

ChristianaCare will use the grant money on Medicare outreach services.

ChristianaCare gets $250K grant to help more Medicare patients

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Health

WILMINGTON – An official from ChristianaCare hopes a new $225,000 grant will help its community health workers serve 150 more patients. The grant, distributed by the HighmarkDelaware’s BluePrints for the Community program, will fund the first ChristianaCare Community Health Worker program dedicated to offering comprehensive support to eligible Medicare patients throughout the state, ensuring these individuals have access to essential …

Hospital costs

DHA to Carney: Don’t appoint hospital cost-review board

Bradley VasoliHeadlines, Health

By Bradley Vasoli In a letter to Governor John Carney (D) this week, the Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) urged him to forego nominations to the controversial Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board. The DHA, an advocacy group formed by Delaware hospitals, argued that the commission will take its ultimate form during the upcoming administration of Carney’s fellow Democrat Matt Meyer, who …