One of the southernmost districts in Delaware, Laurel school district’s population is increasing at a modest rate. But it also has a very large percentage of low-income students. As well, they are dealing with a fast growing population of English Language learners. Many districts in western Sussex county face the same issue with property assessments bearing a large burden on local taxpayers. The way the system was set up decades ago has winners and losers. For Laurel property owners, they lose big. As a result, the district is forced to tighten their money belt the same time their population is growing. Four years ago, only the Superintendent made over $100,000, now there are five.
Laurel School District
5 Schools
2,362 Students, 2,135 four years ago
5 Over $100k
DEMOGRAPHICS
African-American: 28%
American Indian: .5%
Asian: 1%
Hawaiian: .2%
Hispanic/Latino: 14.6%
White: 49.7%
Multi-Racial: 6%
English Language Learners: 12.2%
Low-Income: 47.4%
Special Education: 15.7%
SALARIES OVER $100k
Richard Evans, Principal, Laurel M.S., $117,074
Ashley Giska, Assistant Superintendent, $113,507
Shawn Larrimore, Superintendent, $138,777
Todd Simpson, Director Special Education, $109,000
Monet Smith, Director Finance & Human Resources, $106,299
The Season Of Myths 