Dr. Sara Hale announced that she would be running for Milford School District Board of Education a few weeks ago. Hale served as the Chief Operating Officer in Milford for over a decade.
“After leaving the district, I wanted to continue serving the Milford community in a meaningful way,” Hale said. “My candidacy for school board was a natural extension of both my professional background and my role as a parent in the district. I care deeply about the future of Milford schools, and I believe my experience positions me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively at the governance level.”
Hale was born in Milford and raised in Lewes. She graduated from Cape Henlopen High School and has lived in Milford since 2009. She and her family are deeply rooted in the community. Her two children attend Milford – her son, Grant, is a fourth grader at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School and her daughter, Emily, is in eighth grade at Milford Central Academy. As a parent and professional, Hale believes this gives her a personal investment in the success of schools. As the Chief Operating Officer for Milford, Hale oversaw all district operations, including finance and payroll, buildings and grounds, technology, child nutrition and transportation.
“In May 2025, I accepted a position as Assistant Vice-President of Central Budget at the University of Delaware. While this transition marked a new chapter in my career, my commitment to Milford and its schools has remained constant,” Hale said. “My background in budgeting, operations and organizational leadership provides me with a practical, informed perspective on district decision-making.”
Hale believes that her experience working in the district gives her a unique understanding of how the district operates, along with valuable historic perspectives on the district’s challenges, strengths and opportunities for improvement. This experience would allow her to engage quickly and productively in board discussions and support sound, responsible decision-making.
“Public education in Delaware is facing significant challenges, and Milford is no exception,” Hale said. “One of the district’s most pressing issues over the next five years will be planning for growth amid changes to the state funding system. Susex County continues to grow rapidly, and Milford has become a destination community. This growth places increasing pressure on our schools, staffing and facilities. It will be critical for the board to work closely with the district administration to anticipate these demands and plan strategically rather than reactively.”
If elected, Hale’s top priority in the first year is to advocate for capital funding to address facility needs, including necessary expansion and renovation at Milford High School. As enrollment continues to grow, our facilities must keep pace to ensure safe, effective learning environments for both students and staff, Hale stated.
“My second priority would be gaining a clear understanding of the district’s current goals and identifying how the board can best support the work needed to achieve them,” Hale said. “Academic success and strong student outcomes must remain at the center of every decision. That means listening to educators, understanding their perspectives and using their insights to help increase achievement and ensure Milford remains competitive among its peer districts.”
Hale explained that her ultimate goal is to serve Milford with integrity, thoughtfulness and a deep respect for the students, families and educators who make the district strong.
“As both a parent and a professional with extensive experience in public education finance and operations, I am committed to helping guide Milford School District through growth and change while keeping student success at the center of every decision,” Hale said. “I would be honored to continue serving this community in working collaboratively to ensure a strong, sustainable future for Milford’s schools.
Hale is running for an at-large seat that is currently held by Board Vice-President Matt Bucher who is stepping down to seek election to the Delaware House of Representatives. The election is planned for May 12, 2026, from 7 AM to 8 PM. All residents of the Milford School District over the age of 18 are eligible to vote.
