The Joint Capital Improvement Committee convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss public comments regarding the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families. The meeting began with a call for public input, allowing both in-person and virtual participants to share their perspectives.

The first speaker, Dion Xavier, representing Urban Promise Wilmington, addressed the committee. Xavier, who serves as the head of schools and principal, highlighted the challenges faced by their educational institution, which serves 70 students from pre-kindergarten through seventh grade. He emphasized the affordability of their tuition, set at $50 per month, and noted that the school relies heavily on grants and private donations, receiving no federal funding.

Xavier pointed out the significant need for facility upgrades, as the school building had not been renovated in 25 years. He described the difficulties students encounter in their learning environment, such as distractions from maintenance work and unsafe playground conditions. Despite these challenges, he reported that the students' academic growth in reading and math surpasses both national averages and those of their peers in Wilmington public schools.

Following Xavier's remarks, the committee opened the floor for virtual public comments. However, no additional participants chose to speak at that time. The committee chair reminded attendees that written testimony could also be submitted for those unable to complete their comments during the meeting.

The session concluded with an acknowledgment of the importance of public input in shaping policies and improvements for the services provided to children and families in Delaware. The committee plans to review the comments and consider them in future discussions regarding capital improvements.