BETHEL

LATEST TIM DUKES NEWLETTER – June 15, 2026

Sussex County Republican state lawmakers, including Rep. Dukes, joined staff members at Sussex Technical High School recently to pay tribute to retiring District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carson.

Dr. Carson is leaving his current post effective August 30th to immediately transition to the role of project manager for the ongoing construction of the new Sussex Tech facility.

Dr. Carson’s work with the legislature to bring the school replacement and expansion project to fruition was cited as a crowning achievement of a career that started in 1988 as the Assistant Superintendent at Sussex Tech. During his 38 years in education leadership, Dr. Carson has served as the President of the Delaware Chief School Officers Association and as superintendent of the Seaford, Cape Henlopen, and Woodbridge school districts.

With an estimated cost of $250 million, the new Sussex Tech complex is the largest public school construction effort in state history. The new three-story complex, being built adjacent to the current campus southwest of Georgetown, will encompass approximately 353,000 square feet of interior space.

Construction began in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in time to serve students in the 2027-28 academic year.

Sussex Tech provides comprehensive career-technical education in skilled trades and technical fields, including automotive technologies, collision repair, carpentry, welding, HVAC-R, cosmetology, dental services, health professions, legal services, digital publishing, CISCO/Coding, and agriculture/environmental sciences.

In addition to providing career paths for high school students, Sussex Tech also supports an expansive adult education program.

Next fall, Sussex Tech will serve more than 1,400 high school students and is on track to expand its student body to 1,800 after the building project is completed.

Consider donating blood to help address a blood emergency throughout the region

The Blood Bank of Delmarva has declared a blood emergency. The Blood Bank states that the blood supply has significantly dropped, with donations in May down 15%. All blood types are needed, especially A-, B-, and type O, the most critical blood type used in emergency care. Every donation can help save multiple lives.

Schedule your donation today by visiting: https://bit.ly/4o1bMcW.

Tim welcomed his Maryland legislative counterpart to the General Assembly

Tim welcomed to the state capitol last week his legislative counterpart in the Maryland State House.

While Tim serves the Delmar, DE side in the General Assembly, Maryland Delegate Barry Beauchamp serves constituents across the state line on the Delmar, MD side in the Wicomico County area. Tim and Barry also enjoyed the opportunity to chat a few minutes with the Governor during the visit last Thursday.

Local citizens are invited to receive a free eye exam at events hosted by the Laurel Public Library this summer

Vision to Learn, a nonprofit that provides vision screenings, eye exams, and eyeglasses to children in low-income communities, at no cost to the child or their family, will be in Laurel on Monday, June 22nd and Wednesday, August 19th near the park. The event is hosted by the Laurel Public Library. You must register using the QR Code (on the above flyer) or by clicking here. Please note that the library is not taking the appointments.

Congratulations to former Sussex County Council President Mike Vincent on his recent appointment

News from the Governor’s office: Governor Meyer has announced that former Sussex County Council President Mike Vincent will serve as the chairman of the Industrial Accident Board.  

“Mike’s career of public service to the people of Seaford, Sussex County and Delaware spans decades, and I am grateful a leader like Mike is still eager to serve,” said Governor Matt Meyer.

The Delaware Industrial Accident Board (IAB) is a quasi-judicial 10-member board within the Delaware Department of Labor that hears and decides disputes involving workers’ compensation claims. When an injured worker, employer, or insurance carrier disagrees about benefits, medical treatment, disability status, or other workers’ compensation issues, the IAB conducts hearings, reviews evidence, and issues legally binding decisions. The Board serves as the primary forum for resolving workers’ compensation disputes in Delaware.

About the Chair:

Mike Vincent is a lifelong resident of Seaford and a graduate of Seaford High School. He has dedicated decades to public service, serving 14 years on the City of Seaford Planning and Zoning Commission and three years on Seaford City Council.

In 2008, Vincent was elected to Sussex County Council and served as Council President from 2010 until his retirement last year. During his tenure, he focused on public safety, land use, and economic development.

Vincent has also built a distinguished record in the fire service. He is a 43-year lifetime member of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as President and was awarded the title of Chief Emeritus. He also served as President of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Currently, Vincent serves on the State of Delaware E-9-1-1 Emergency Services Board and is an active member of the Seaford Community Food Closet, the Board of the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club, and St. Johns United Methodist Church.

The Town of Laurel is gearing up for the Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Honoring America’s 250th Birthday Celebration.  Fireworks begin at Dusk

Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends and enjoy a patriotic evening in Laurel!

Click here for more information and to apply.

To contact Tim: Timothy.Dukes@delaware.gov