DOVER, Del. (AP) - Gov. Jack Markell says an increasingly competitive world presents new challenges for Delaware in attracting jobs and educating its children.
In his State of the State speech Thursday, Markell said the shaping of Delaware to meet the demands of the world we now live in begins in schools. He called for strengthening standards for entering the teaching profession, raising starting teacher pay, and improving pay for teachers in high-need schools and critical subjects.
In a speech short on specifics, Markell also called for more mental health workers in middle schools and new health care payment models. He also hinted that his administration wants to keep tax increases it imposed in 2009 from expiring as scheduled starting later this year and will support legislation legalizing gay marriage in Delaware.
