When Safety Slips Away: Why Brandywine’s Future Depends on Strong Schools — and Strong Communities
Karen Hartley-Nagle- Apr 27
- 3 min read
This morning, as I was getting ready to go door-knocking, excited to meet more neighbors across Brandywine, there was a knock at my own door.
Two of my neighbors had urgent news: around 4:00 a.m., two young men had broken into my car, right outside my home. Security footage caught them — hoods up, gloves on — moving quickly through the neighborhood while most of us slept.
Soon after, a New Castle County police officer arrived to take the report.
Standing there, I couldn’t help but think back to another morning — last Labor Day Eve — when my car was stolen from that very same spot. Found days later, damaged and abandoned just a mile away.
The young man charged was only 18. Last week, he appeared in court and was given probation.
Two incidents.
Two reminders that even in neighborhoods we cherish, challenges are growing — and we must come together to meet them.
A Countywide Concern, A Shared Responsibility
What happened to me isn’t unique.
Across New Castle County, families are seeing troubling trends:
🚗 Vehicle thefts have more than doubled in just two years.
🏠 Over 500 cars were stolen in the first eight months of last year alone.
💸 Rising insurance costs, lost wages, and a growing sense of unease are affecting our daily lives.
These rising challenges don't happen in isolation.
They reflect broader pressures on our families, our neighborhoods — and yes, our schools.
Strong Schools, Stronger Communities
Our schools are a cornerstone of community strength, and our teachers are essential partners in building that strength.
Today, Brandywine School District faces real and pressing challenges:
📚 Only 41% of students are reading at grade level.
📉 Only 30% are proficient in math.
🏫 Growing needs in student support, school safety, and classroom resources.
None of this reflects a lack of commitment from our teachers, students, or families. In fact, teachers are working harder than ever under difficult and changing conditions — and they deserve our support, respect, and investment.
We are all in this together — and together, we can turn things around.
When we support our teachers, strengthen our schools, and build strong community partnerships, we lift up everyone.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Brandywine invests approximately $24,900 per student — more than the Delaware state average and nearby states.
This level of investment is a powerful starting point, but outcomes show there’s more work to do — to ensure resources are used effectively, reach every classroom, and deliver the support our students and teachers need to succeed.
Our goal should be simple: ensure that every dollar helps create safer, stronger, more vibrant schools and neighborhoods.
Why I Decided to Step Forward
I hadn’t planned to run for Brandywine School Board.
But listening to neighbors, teachers, students, and families made it clear:
We can't afford to wait.
We need leadership that sees the full picture — that understands education, public safety, community health, and opportunity are all connected.
Building a brighter future begins with coming together — rolling up our sleeves, working side by side, and investing wisely in what matters most: our children, our schools, and our neighborhoods.
Where We Go from Here
We can rebuild what’s been lost.
We can restore pride, confidence, and safety in our community.
It starts with stronger schools, and stronger support for everyone working every day to lift our children higher.
We need to:
Invest in early literacy and proven learning strategies.
Support teachers with the tools, resources, and respect they deserve.
Create safe, welcoming schools where students can thrive.
Strengthen the connection between schools and the broader community.
When we do that, we don't just improve test scores — we build a future full of hope, opportunity, and shared success.
A Vote for Brandywine’s Future
What happened to my car isn't just my story. It's a reminder that our choices matter.
That the health of our schools and the strength of our communities rise together — or not at all.
On Tuesday, May 13th, we have a chance to choose a better path.
A path that invests in our teachers.
Invests in our students.
Invests in the future of Brandywine — and all of New Castle County.
I'm ready to work — with you, for you, and for the next generation.
Because our schools are not just places of learning — they are the heart of our community.
And when we strengthen them, we strengthen all of us.
Thank you for believing in what Brandywine can be.
— Karen Hartley-Nagle
Candidate for Brandywine School Board
