Capital Project Continues at Delaware Academy

By Wildert Marte

DELHI — The Delaware Academy Central School Board met Monday, September 22, 2025, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance and a reminder about public comment: time is set aside at the beginning and end of each meeting, speakers get two minutes, and questions may be referred for follow-up. There were no public comments and no presentations, so the board moved briskly into business.

Routine matters passed on a single consent motion, approving minutes and personnel items. Financial reports were held until the annual audit was complete. From there, the meeting turned to monthly reports and a long list of fall dates. Enrollment shifted slightly to start the year. The elementary added six students and saw two exits; the middle school had one entry and two exits; the high school added three and lost four. The SEAL Committee hosted a September 5 “welcome back” and the annual carnival on September 12 games, prizes, and the now-famous “Pie Face” with Principal Schultz, who joked he went home needing a shower. Staff have been reinforcing four school-wide rules: be responsible, respectful, caring, and safe while the middle and high schools welcomed new students with a breakfast on the 19th. Assemblies and assessments are underway. “Sweethearts and Heroes” visited September 15–16; benchmarking is complete. The new cell-phone policy has landed better than expected. One student said, “I really thought this was going to be much worse than it is. It’s not that bad,” after locking phones in pouches for class credit.

October will brought the “Superhuman Performance” assembly, early-dismissal drills, two open houses, and the Columbus Day holiday. Business administrator Sarah Kellogg reported that 91 students received $189,100 in scholarship checks in August. The A.L. Kellogg Fund posted a $373,839 gain and continues to grow.

About 29% of taxes have been collected, slightly ahead of schedule. Residents are using a new credit-card option, with fees paid by users. Cafeteria earnings are funding a full furniture refresh, high-tops, mobile booths and lounge areas to create a cafe look. Lead time is 16–20 weeks. Older round tables, still in good shape, will be auctioned after a few are kept as spares.

Two bus-lease bids were received from Santander and First American. Terms and rates are being reviewed; the district remains within budget.

The Superintendent’s report praised a smooth opening, buses on time, strong coordination, and good morale. Capital projects continue: the fields are complete, the scoreboard is coming, and the replacement dome will likely be installed over winter break. New boilers are nearly ready, and construction of the technology wing is on pace for early 2026. Stage lighting upgrades are complete. Committee reports covered athletics, facility use, and finance. Fall sports participation is strong at 195 students, and girls’ varsity wrestling will debut this winter. Policy updates included adopting changes to student device use and re-adopting the non-resident tuition policy with clarified transportation language.

A new naming policy draft will return for future review. New business approved the supervisors’ association agreement, the 2025–2026 LINKS improvement plan, and donations for the backpack and snack programs from local churches, the PTA, and families.

Board members closed by praising teachers and volunteers for a strong start, thanking donors, and welcoming student representative Adam. The meeting adjourned with reminders of the next session on October 27 at 6 p.m. and a lighthearted suggestion to dress festively for Halloween season.