2025 School Board VoteDelaware Questionnaire Responses: Patty Maull

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
Ensuring that our curriculum reflects the rich diversity of students and our community will always be a top priority. Every student in our District deserves to see themselves represented in what they learn, whether it is through literature, history, or cultural studies, and to understand that contributions and experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. As an elected Board member, I will advocate for curriculum choices that reflect equity, inclusion, and historical accuracy. I believe that when we provide students with a well-rounded, honest education that embraces all perspectives, we empower them to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens.

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 committed to protecting students ability to see themselves represented in books they are reading. By doing so, it validates their identities, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. When books are available where students can encounter characters, stories, and perspectives that reflect their own lives, it gives them a sense of belonging and self worth. Committing to this helps students feel seen, valued, and included, which is essential for their emotional well being and academic success.

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?

As an elected school board member, I will be committed to ensuring that all students are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. I will advocate for and support policies that promote restorative justice, equity, and positive behavioral interventions. My focus will always be on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Together, we can work toward a system where every student feels valued, supported, and set up for success.

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?

My primary responsibility is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and valued within our schools. We cannot prioritize safety for some students while jeopardizing the dignity and educational opportunities of others. My commitment will always be to advocate for equitable and just practices that uplift all students, not criminalize them.

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?

My responsibility is to advocate for equitable funding that ensures every student regardless of their background, zip code, or learning needs, has access to a high quality adequate education. Research shows that students from low income families, English language learners, and students with disabilities often require additional resources to succeed. The state must provide sufficient, need based funding to support these students and close the achievement gaps.

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?

Addressing funding deficits requires bold leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to equity. It is important that we work together as board members to advocate at the state level to ensure our district receives equitable funding based on student needs and not just enrollment numbers.

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 am deeply committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, always feel safe, supported and valued in our schools. I believe that inclusion is never optional, it is essential to fostering a healthy learning environment where all students can thrive.

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 firmly believe it is a school districts job to ensure the safety and privacy of every student, regardless of status. I also believe it is in the students best interest to educate families on their rights so that those fears and anxieties do not hinder their education.

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 will support access to resources for students and staff to know their rights. I firmly believe that knowledge is power and its important to know your rights, in any setting.

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 am committed to ensuring every student and family, regardless of the language they speak, has equal access to educational opportunities, resources, and communication, within our district. Families with limited English proficiency should never face barriers to understanding classroom materials, participating in school events, or engaging in their child's education.