The Cape school board has appointed the Rev. Marjorie Belmont to the open Area C seat, which was vacated by Janet Maull-Martin in August.

The board heard from seven candidates, including Belmont, before selecting her to fill the spot. The other six were Laura Parsons, Frank Powers, Andy Lewis, Charles Mowll, Patricia Maull and Jeffrey Coover.

“My vision is to have the board represent the demographics of our community and of our school,” said Belmont, a Selbyville native and Indian River High School graduate. “For me, it’s having a great quality education for all students, and especially those who have special needs.”

Two of Belmont’s four children graduated from Delaware schools, one of them from Cape High in 2019.

She said it’s important the district “keep the main thing the main thing, and the main thing [is] the students.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition and her master of divinity, she was appointed to several churches in Delaware and Maryland, where she served as a minister. She was also an active member on various school board committees, including the curriculum committee, parent advocacy committee and minority advocacy committee.

In 2015, she was appointed to Faith and Israel United Methodist churches in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.

Through her involvement in various community organizations focused on diversity, equity, quality education and social justice, she saw the importance of working together with people of all beliefs and walks of life.

“Let’s celebrate one another,” Belmont said. “We have differences of opinions, but let’s agree to disagree, and embrace one another’s thoughts [and] ideas to work together to ensure that our students are receiving the best.”

She also underscored the importance of maintaining open and transparent communication with the community.

According to Superintendent Bob Fulton, he and the district are thrilled to have Belmont join the board.

“She brings unique experiences, knowledge and a desire to help move the district forward in our continuous pursuit of excellence,” Fulton said in a press release. “We have no doubt her contributions will be beneficial to the students, families, staff and entire Cape community.”

Belmont will be sworn in at the January board of education retreat and will serve her appointment through June 30, 2025. Any individuals interested in serving the remaining three years of the Area C seat term (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028) must file the appropriate paperwork with the Department of Elections in compliance with its deadlines and regulations.

The election for this seat will occur during the May 2025 school board elections.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23.