Delmar, Delaware - May 6, 2023
When Shane Bowden registered to run for school board in the Delmar, DE school district on February 2, 2023, he did his best to clean up his historical pattern of financial irresponsibility during his campaign on March 15, 2023, just weeks before the election. Mr. Bowden has had over $34,486 dollars in multiple federal and state tax liens for failure to file and pay his taxes for multiple tax years. For the State of Delaware, it has resulted in multiple wage garnishments. The lump sum to satisfy his pattern of debts magically appeared at this point in time, which raises a red flag that has prompted an investigation into his financial ties. The question is, should a school board member who has a documented history of financial negligence oversee a school budget that's over 26 million dollars for the Delmar school district? Below is a copy of his federal and state tax liens and wage garnishments.
DOWNLOAD STATE TAX LIENS & GARNISHMENTS
Mr. Bowden has also demonstrated the example he sets for the children that he'd represent if he were elected. Elected school board officials are to serve and provide a safe, nurturing educational environment and set a positive example to be productive members in society. As a school role model, he is seen in a parade on his campaign float vaping amongst teenagers and the crowd. The parade was staged on school grounds, where Bowden was seen vaping and throughout the parade. As a result, he has not only violated the code of conduct, but the State of Delaware's 877 Tobacco and Smoking Policy as it relates to any school related event.
Bowden seen vaping in a community parade, asking the community to "help him fix it."
877 Tobacco and Smoking Policy
1.0 Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this regulation is to specify for district and charter schools the elements of a required Tobacco and Smoking Policy, including specifying areas where the policy is in effect, and outlining reporting requirements and timelines.
The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Electronic Smoking Device” means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other similar substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person to simulate Smoking through inhalation of vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor or as this term may be amended by 16 Del.C. §2902.
“Smoking” means:
a. The burning of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco; or
b. The use of an Electronic Smoking Device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner
“Tobacco Substitute” means:
a. An Electronic Smoking Device employing a mechanical heating element, battery, or circuit to produce aerosol or vapor for inhalation into the body of an individual or as this term may be amended by 11 Del.C. §1115, or
b. A liquid used in a device under paragraph a. above, including liquids that contain nicotine and liquids that do not contain nicotine or as this term may be amended by 11 Del.C. §1115.
Tobacco Substitute does not mean a drug, device, or combination product authorized for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.) or as this term may amended by 11 Del.C. §1115.
3.0 Required Policy
3.1 To improve the health of students, school personnel, and visitors, each school district and charter school in Delaware shall have a Tobacco and Smoking Policy which at a minimum:
3.1.1 Prohibits smoking and the use of or distribution of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices in school buildings, on school grounds, in school leased or owned vehicles, even when they are not used for student purposes, and at all school affiliated functions.
3.1.2 Includes procedures for communicating the policy to students, school staff, parents, guardians or relative caregivers, families, visitors and the community at large.
3.1.3 Makes provisions for or refers individuals to voluntary cessation education and support programs that address the physical and social issues associated with nicotine addiction.
4.0 The Tobacco and Smoking Policy Shall Apply to
4.1 Any building, property or vehicle leased, owned or operated by a school district, charter school or assigned contractor.
4.1.1 School bus operators under contract shall be considered staff for this policy.
4.2 Any private building or other property including automobiles or other vehicles used for school activities when students and staff are present.
4.3 Any non-educational groups utilizing school buildings or other educational assets.
4.4 Any individual or a volunteer who supervises students off school grounds.
5.0 No School or School District Property May Be Used for the Advertising of any Tobacco Product, Tobacco Substitute or Electronic Smoking Device
Bowden clearly has a track record of fiscal irresponsibility and has demonstrated and promoted the use of a controlled substance on school grounds, in the presence of school children, and during a school related activity. Written on his campaign banner it ironically displays # HELPMEFIXIT.
Is this the type of person you'd want to fix or oversee the operation of a school district that directs children down a path of dysfunction? You decide at the ballot box.
-Inspector General