As Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton prepares for retirement, the community should take time to reflect on his 13 years as the district’s leader.
Under Fulton, the district has often ranked among the top public school districts in the state academically. He’s also ensured Cape is a place where teachers want to be by creating a strong workplace environment.
But it hasn’t been without challenges. Fulton had to navigate significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented growth of eastern Sussex County.
Fulton, the board and the administration created a model for hybrid and in-person instruction during the pandemic. Cape was one of the first schools to bring students back to the classroom, showing the rest of the state a safe way to do so.
The pandemic didn’t quell the district's surging enrollment. Cape schools have grown by more than 1,600 students over the last decade, reaching more than 6,600 pupils this fall. In response, Fulton spearheaded nine major capital projects, totaling $300 million, to renovate existing facilities and construct new schools. Even with those major improvements, the district still has the second-lowest tax rate of Sussex County school districts.
Fulton’s vision ensured the district not only accommodated this growth but also maintained a high standard of education.
As Fulton steps down July 1, the district welcomes Jenny Nauman as its new superintendent. Nauman, who has been with the district since 2008 and became assistant superintendent in 2018, brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the community. Nauman’s promotion just four days after Fulton’s retirement announcement shows the school board’s confidence in her ability to lead. Nauman herself has expressed a commitment to building upon the strong foundation laid by Fulton.
The Cape Gazette joins many in the community in extending thanks to Fulton for his decades of service and leadership. We also congratulate Nauman on her appointment and wish her success as she leads the district into its next chapter.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporter Chris Flood.
