Delaware Retired School Personnel Association

The Delaware Retired School Personnel Association (DRSPA) today expressed its deep gratitude to members of the General Assembly as the 2026 Legislative Session concluded with final passage of the state budget, which includes a long awaited pension increase for retired educators.
“This year’s legislative session delivered progress for the people who devoted their lives to Delaware’s children,” said DRSPA President Denise Schwartz. “We are sincerely thankful to lawmakers for recognizing the value of our retirees and for approving a pension increase that will help thousands of former school employees maintain financial stability.”
Delaware state employees who retired prior to July 1, 2006, will receive a 2 percent increase and those who retired between July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2021, will receive a 1 percent bump.
DRSPA noted that the pension increase comes at a critical time, as many retirees continue to face rising living costs without regular adjustments to their benefits. The association applauded legislators for prioritizing retirees’ needs and reaffirming the state’s commitment to those who served in classrooms, cafeterias, offices, buses, and school buildings across Delaware.

Supporting mental health is an important part of aging well.

DRSPA Grants Make a Difference

From self-printed robots, to books and games, baby chicks, and a giant inflatable obstacle course, funds from the 2025 DRSPA “Partners in Education” grants made a difference in schools around Delaware.

Since 2014, DRSPA has awarded more than $92,000 for a diverse range of creative projects in public schools throughout the state, supported by member donations. For this most recent round of 13 winners, DRSPA received a record-breaking 39 applications.

Grants worth up to $1,000 are awarded by a committee of the Executive Board, which uses a rubric to score applications. Grant winners recently reported to DRSPA that the grant had an impact.

“The grant for the inflatable obstacle course has made a positive impact on the students at Linden Hill Elementary by promoting physical activity in a fun and engaging way,” said Physical Education Teacher Charmaine Davis. “ Students have been excited to participate, which has encouraged teamwork, confidence, and healthy competition among their peers.”

Odessa High School Teacher Devon, in the Appoquinimink School District, expressed her gratitude for the funding that made it possible to purchase “The Butchering Art” for her anatomy and physiology class. “This book increased students’ vocabulary and thinking skills,” she said. “It also provided them with an insight into the history of medicine.”

More than 130 first-grade children had a memorable week at Georgetown Elementary School as they watched chicks peck their way out of eggs and hatch.

Teacher Michelle Scarborough said the whole school got involved. “What an absolutely exciting week for not only all of our First Graders, but some visiting Kindergarten classes, as well as so many curious teachers, students, and staff at Georgetown Elementary.”

Sean Sherlock, from Delcastle Technical High School, highlighted the benefits of a new 3D printer, stating, “Thank you so much for the funding for our 3D printer! It's been great to have the Science Olympiad students use it for building their devices and for the science students to get 3D models for supporting their learning.”

Sherlock shared that students Emily and Justin used 3D printed parts to build and code their electric vehicle for the Science Olympiad, earning medals for fifth place at the state competition.

Kindergartners in the Townsend Early Childhood Center were immersed in Spanish culture through play when Teacher Mariannys Velasquez was able to purchase authentic books, costumes, instruments and playthings. “The grant funding made a tremendous impact in my classroom by providing authentic resources and materials that enhanced student engagement and enriched learning experiences,” said Velasquez.

Alexa Slavin, 4th Grade Teacher, Townsend Elementary School, said she saw improvement among students. “The grant supported my fourth-grade classroom by providing novel studies that helped students grow as readers and thinkers,” she said. “Through these books, students improved their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and discussion skills while building a stronger love for reading. The novel studies also encouraged teamwork, meaningful conversations, and deeper connections to the characters and stories.”

These dedicated educators demonstrate how grants not only enhance academic learning but also foster creativity, inclusion, and personal growth among students. Their gratitude and enthusiasm highlight the importance of continued support for educational initiatives.