Why I’m Running for School Board

A Future Worth Fighting For – Together

By Karen Hartley-Nagle

I have some exciting news to share: I’m running for the Brandywine School Board (Brandywine B)—and I couldn’t be more hopeful about what we can achieve together.

I’m running because I believe every child deserves a quality education, every teacher deserves respect and resources, and every family deserves a voice at the table.

Our children’s future isn’t just shaped inside classrooms—it’s also shaped by the decisions we make as a community. I’ve spent my life standing up for fairness, advocating for children, and working to make government more responsive, transparent, and compassionate. Now, I want to bring that same commitment to our schools.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

As a former Education major, a mother of four public school graduates, and a lifelong learner myself, I know firsthand the power of a great education—and the heartbreak when a child’s needs are overlooked.

In my public service career, I’ve led complex budgets, written legislation, and created policies to protect communities and support families. But at its core, this work has never been about politics—it’s always been about people.

And our students deserve more.

They deserve more than test prep and statistics.

They deserve opportunity, support, and creativity.

They deserve a school system that meets them where they are—and lifts them up.

Throwback to the 2016 campaign trail—photobombed by then-candidate for County Executive Matt Meyer (now Governor Meyer!) as I campaigned with my daughter Cammie Hartley. Matt and I both won in 2016 and 2020, serving and working together for eight years to move New Castle County forward. Grateful for the memories, the partnership, and the progress!

Together, We Can Build Something Great

The Brandywine School District is full of promise, talent, and heart. But we can’t rest on potential—we have to act with purpose.

I’m running to ensure that:

• Students have what they need to succeed, academically and emotionally

• Teachers feel valued and supported, not overburdened

• Families feel heard, respected, and part of the solution

• The community has a clear voice in shaping the future of our schools

  
  

We have a chance to make Brandywine a model for what public education should be—not just for today, but for the next generation.

​In the 2023–2024 school year, 33.59% of Brandywine School District students in grades 3–8 achieved math proficiency, aligning with Delaware's average but trailing the national average of 39%.  At Brandywine High School, 32% of students demonstrated math proficiency, slightly above the state average of 29% but below the national benchmark.  These figures underscore the dedication of our educators and highlight the ongoing need to support our students in reaching and exceeding national standards.

Join Me on This Journey

This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us.

It’s about every child who deserves a bright future.

It’s about every teacher who shows up and gives their all.

It’s about every parent who wants to know their child is safe, supported, and seen.

Let’s work together.

Let’s build something great.

For them. For us. For tomorrow.

With hope and determination,

Karen Hartley-Nagle

Candidate for Brandywine School Board (Brandywine B)

May 13, 2025 Election