A Vision of Responsible School Funding and Budget Management: Putting Our Children First

Hello, neighbors and friends in the Brandywine School District. My name is Karen Hartley-Nagle, and I’m running for the Brandywine School Board (District B) because, like you, I believe our children deserve every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. When you step into our classrooms—when you see those bright, hopeful faces—you’re reminded that the future of our entire community hinges on how well we prepare our kids today.

A Proven Record of Managing Complex Budgets

County Budget Overview with COVID Relief Contributions (FY2016–FY2025): A visual representation showing the budget allocations across 10 fiscal years, highlighting the significant impact of CARES Act, ARPA, and DE Relief Grants, particularly in FY2020 and FY2021.

Before I was a public servant, I was a mother. And being a parent taught me the importance of making every dollar count—prioritizing what truly matters, planning for the unexpected, and ensuring my family had what it needed to thrive. That same approach guided me during my eight years as President of New Castle County Council.

From Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY2025, New Castle County’s overall budget grew from $255 million to $342.4 million—totaling nearly $3 billion ($2,981,695,316, to be precise). Although the budgets grew to meet evolving needs, I consistently worked to avoid tax hikes while maintaining the essential services our residents rely on.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Castle County received approximately $430.8 million in federal relief through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds were critical in supporting our community’s health, safety, and economic recovery. Working alongside my colleagues, I helped ensure that every dollar was allocated responsibly and transparently, always guided by the principle that public funds should be invested in people—not politics.

Bringing the Same Care to Brandywine

Now, I’m ready to bring this experience and heart to the Brandywine School Board. The district operates on a $257.7 million budget this year and serves over 10,000 students. That’s a tremendous responsibility—and a real chance to make a lasting difference.

Thanks to additional state funds earmarked for special education and other critical support services, we can better meet our students’ needs. At the same time, we faced a $1.3 million shortfall in our local year-end fund balance, putting pressure on day-to-day operations. In February, voters approved a phased-in tax increase to stabilize our finances and begin rebuilding our reserves. That was a tough choice, but it reflected our community’s belief in our children. Now, it’s on us to deliver on that promise.

My Promise to You

As your school board member, I will ensure:

1. Students, Teachers, and Classrooms Come First

   Budgets might look like spreadsheets, but they tell us what we truly value. I’ll make sure we center every financial decision on the people who matter most: our children and the educators who guide them.

   
   

2. Financial Decisions Are Transparent and Responsible

   Taxpayers have a right to know exactly how their dollars are spent. I’ll push for clear, open communication about every budget line and build trust through accountability.

   
   

3. We Plan Ahead for Future Needs

   Just as I helped New Castle County navigate everything from routine budget cycles to unprecedented challenges like a pandemic, I’ll advocate for forward-thinking strategies in Brandywine—especially with property reassessment and capital improvements on the horizon.

   
   

4. Emergency Reserves Stay Intact

   Reserves are there for true crises. I believe in protecting those funds so that, when unforeseen hurdles arise, our children’s education and well-being are never compromised.

   
   

More Than Numbers on a Page

As New Castle County Council President from November 2016 to November 2024, I oversaw the New Castle County's budgets for Fiscal Years (FY) 2018 through 2025. The total budget during my tenure was approximately $2,981,695,316. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Castle County received approximately $430,766,668.80 in federal funds through the CARES Act and ARPA. Combining these amounts, the total funds managed during my tenure were approximately $3,412,461,984.80.

At its core, a budget is a reflection of who we are, what we value, and how we choose to lead. I’ve managed large-scale county budgets and carefully stewarded federal relief funds, always aiming to do what’s right by our families, neighbors, and children.

That’s why I’m asking for your vote on May 13. Let’s keep our community strong and our children’s future bright by investing in our schools responsibly, transparently, and compassionately.

I would be honored to serve as your representative on the Brandywine School Board. Together, let’s keep our promise to our children—because if we don’t, who will?

Vote Karen Hartley-Nagle for Brandywine School Board on May 13

Because when we invest in our children today, we build a stronger Brandywine for tomorrow.

🗳️ The Path Forward Starts With You

📅 Election Day: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

📣 Experience. Accountability. Student Success.

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