2025 School Board VoteDelaware Questionnaire Responses: William "Bill" Collick

1. Our country’s history is incomplete without acknowledging the legacy of discrimination and lived experiences of historically marginalized communities. Additionally, Delaware passed a law in 2021 requiring schools to develop and incorporate an African American curriculum for K-12 public schools. Nonetheless, some schools have adopted curricula which fail to teach the full history of the treatment of marginalized communities. Do you commit to adopting curricula which include the perspectives and full histories of all historically marginalized communities?

YES
I do commit to adopting curricula which includes the perspectives and full histories of all historically marginalized communities because until we support and teach all of America's history, we are not in concert with teaching our students all of America's complete history. Furthermore, we have passed a law (House Bill 198 that said that all schools must teach African American curriculum for K-12 public schools).

2. Book bans in school libraries are misguided attempts to suppress student ability to explore ideas, encounter new perspectives, and learn to think for themselves. These efforts target LGBTQ+ identities and censor discussions about how gender and sexuality impact people’s daily lives under the guise that such topics are not age appropriate. Will you commit to protecting students’ ability to see themselves represented in the books they’re reading?

YES
I am in favor of protecting student's ability to see themselves in the books they're reading. If there is a problem, school boards should respond to community cause for the removing of any curricula topics, subjects, books, and programs by way of referencing Board Policy 110, Section C, which basically allows for an impartial and factual hearing chaired by a committee of school personnel. During the hearing, materials and issues of question will be evaluated and ruled upon. Concerned parties may begin the process by contacting the school principal.

3. The 2023-2024 School Discipline Improvement Plan (SDIP) emphasizes the need to address the disproportionate discipline of Black students, low-income students, male students, and students with disabilities. Schools listed under SDIP are required to submit corrective plans. How will you work with your district to eliminate excessive, unjust, and exclusionary disciplinary practices?

I will work with my district to eliminate excessive, unjust, and exclusionary disciplinary practices by way of supporting our staff with a structured and enforceable code of conduct that has been constructed with school personnel, parents, and committee liaison leaders. Staff and school personnel must have professional development as it relates to disciplinary issues. Furthermore, I believe that the culture and climate of schools must be an ongoing discussion with stakeholders. I also believe that we can gain effectiveness with making sure that our students have adult supporters as well as getting them reacclimated monthly to the code of conduct in a 35 minute advisory period.

4. Research shows that the presence of police officers also known as school resource officers (SROs) can lead to disparate discipline for Black and brown students. As a school board member, would you oppose adopting or continuing to implement school safety plans which include the use of SROs?

YES
I believe that continuation of implementing of a school safety plan, including the SRO's is very important for the ongoing safety of our schools. We must never forget that the safety of our students is our top priority. I believe that it is people who truly make the difference, therefore, school leaders must partner with our SRO's as it relates to being an effective adult supporter.

5. How would you ensure that budgets and other resources are equitably distributed to serve high-needs students (i.e. English language learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income households) across a school district and that those financial decisions are more transparent?

I would ensure that budgets and other resources are equitably distributed to serve high-needs students across our school district by way of a four tier approach. This approach would begin with accountability, and transparency stemming from the principal, teachers, a budget oversite committee (community inclusion), with final sign off from the chief financial officer. I would recommend a monthly report be submitted for board approval.

6. A December 2023 independent report, commissioned by the State of Delaware as a result of education funding litigation brought by the ACLU, found that public schools across the state are underfunded by at least $600 million dollars and recommended increased per-pupil funding, transparency, and the flexibility to allocate resources. What would you propose to ensure districts close the funding deficit to provide a constitutionally adequate education?

I would propose that districts close the funding deficit by way of taking a deep dive into school funding. The real issue has to be centered around whether or not that we can continue the current system of funding which is based on unit count ( a dollar amount for each student) or do we have to call upon and pass new laws for additional funding. The bottom lines are referendums, taxes, school funding assessments, and state and federal monies. The Secretary of Education, the Governor, school superintendents and CFO's must come together and find an effective solution to this growing issue.

7. School Districts such as Red Clay Consolidated and Christina have implemented policies to create a culture in which transgender and gender diverse students feel safe, supported, and fully included by assuring access to the curriculum, social events, clubs, athletic participation, and all other basic curricular and extracurricular activities. Will you commit to adopting or expanding policies in your school district which ensure that LGBTQ+ students are fully included in social events, clubs, athletic participation, and all other basic curricular and extracurricular activities?

YES
I do believe that we should support and meet the needs of all students. This support should come as a result of knowing the established rules, laws and abiding by them.

8. Immigrant students and their families have the right to access public education without fear of discrimination or intimidation. Will you support a district-wide policy that protects students’ personal information (including immigration status), provides clear guidance on interacting with ICE, and ensures staff, students, and families are aware of relevant state, school, and community resources?

YES
I absolutely would support district wide policy that protects student's personal information (including immigration status). Furthermore, these policies should provide clear guidance with interacting with ICE, while ensuring staff, students, and families of their state, school, and community resources. Also, I believe that the Attorney General of Delaware, the Governor, and all law enforcement agencies should submit a statement that further supports these policies and student rights.

9. When staff, students, and families know what the law says, they are better equipped to protect themselves and the school community. Will you support distributing Know Your Rights resources—specifically related to immigrant and LGTBQ+ protections—in classrooms, offices, school websites and communications, and other easily accessible locations?

YES
I do believe that all students should be supported and Know Their Rights.

10. Over the past few decades, many immigrants have chosen to make Delaware their home and have become vital members of our schools. Will you ensure that students and families with limited English proficiency have access to translated classroom materials and in-person translators for school meetings and events?

YES
I do believe that it is very important that students and parents be able to communicate in our schools as well as any aspects of district wide meetings and events. Therefore, a translator should be available.