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About Us

  • Wilbur Elementary teachers are able to “inspire excellence” in each of their students in a state-of-the-art building using the latest technology, including SMART boards, iPads, laptops, and Chromebooks.
  • With over 1150 students, the building is designed with two of everything – including cafeterias, gyms, and playgrounds! Although it is one of the largest elementary schools in Delaware, student, staff, and parent surveys have all provided evidence that a strong, positive community has been built in this Kindergarten through 5th grade school.
  • Wilbur Elementary was chosen in 2015 as National Model School through the International Center for Leadership in Education.

 

Who Was Kathleen H. Wilbur

Kathleen H. “Kathy” Wilbur was one of the most influential school board leaders in Delaware—especially within the Colonial community—and a major advocate for public education at the local, state, and national levels. Kathleen H. Wilbur (1925–2015) was a longtime member and president of the Colonial School District Board of Education, known for her decades of service and unwavering commitment to students and schools.

Her Work in Education

  • Local Leadership (Colonial & Predecessor Districts)
  • Began her involvement in education through PTA and advisory committees in the former De La Warr School District in the 1960s–70s
  • Served on the De La Warr School District Board of Education starting in the late 1970s
  • Became a founding-era member of the Colonial School District Board when the district formed in 1981
  • Served nine years as Board President and played a key role in guiding the district through growth and change

She was widely respected as a strong, hands-on leader who helped shape policy and direction for Colonial schools during critical years.

State & National Impact
Wilbur’s influence extended far beyond Colonial:

  • Past President, Delaware School Boards Association
  • Served on the National School Boards Association
  • Member of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) board
  • Participated in numerous state and national education committees
  • She received multiple honors, including:
    • Distinguished Service Award (Delaware School Boards Association)
    • National School Boards Association Distinguished Service Award (1999) for her “unparalleled commitment to America’s children.”
    • Career Outside Education

Before her education leadership, Wilbur was:

  • A registered nurse
  • Served in the U.S. Navy WAVES during World War II
  • Worked at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and Delaware State Hospital

Legacy in Colonial
Her impact on the district was so significant that Wrangle Hill Elementary School was renamed in her honor as Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School

She is remembered as:

  • A fierce advocate for students
  • A mentor to other school board members
  • A leader who helped define what strong school governance looks like

Kathy Wilbur wasn’t just on the school board—she helped build the foundation of modern Colonial School District governance.

Her legacy is one of service, leadership, and the belief that strong schools create strong communities—a mindset that still shows up in Colonial’s “Power of WE” today.

kathy wilbur