DOVER - The Delaware Department of Education will hold three public hearings in August to gather public comment on regulations under Gov. Jack Markell's Executive Order 36, a statewide review by all agencies to identify and remove regulatory hurdles.

The order requires agencies to solicit input from the public to identify regulations adopted three years ago or more for possible modification or elimination.
This is an opportunity for the state's education community to come together and promote the necessary conditions for our students' success.

"Our goal is to remove burdensome barriers to ensure a singular focus on our state's vision: college and career-readiness for every child," Secretary of Education Mark Murphy said.

The department's hearings are in the first round of agencies to take place as part of the review. Other agencies will be holding hearings throughout the next year.

The DDOE hearings are scheduled for:

• Aug. 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the University of Delaware's Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown.

• Aug. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Department of Agriculture office, 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover.

• Aug. 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the New Castle County Government Center, 77 Reads Way, New Castle.

Public comment also will be accepted through Oct. 1, and can be submitted at the hearings or online at www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/ddoe/nrr.shtml.

Executive Order 36 is a mechanism to review existing regulations and eliminate outdated, inconsistent, or regulations that no longer serve their purpose. After formal comment, DDOE will consider the input received and streamline or change regulations accordingly.

A report on changes goes to the governor and to the Delaware General Assembly in June.