HOB principal takes district position

After four years leading H.O. Brittingham Elementary, Principal Ned Gladfelter has been named human resources supervisor for the Cape district.

“I’m so excited,” he said. “After 13 years as a principal, I am ready for a new experience at the district-office level.”

Although losing the day-to-day contact with students and families was difficult, Gladfelter said he’s up for the challenge. He succeeds Ed Waples, who is retiring.

Over the past year, Gladfelter said he prepared for his new role by completing the American Association of School Personnel Administrators certification program and passed a rigorous exam that made him the first person in Delaware to be certified as a professional human capital leader in education.

Gladfelter also received his Delaware-certified central office personnel continuing license and joined the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. 

“I will continue to ensure that there is excellence, equity and responsiveness in all of our human resources practices to help ensure that all Cape students are receiving the best education possible,” he said.

Gladfelter said he was eager to learn labor law, policies, workforce planning and district branding strategies to position the district as a top employer. He said he’s also looking for new ways to recognize outstanding employees, including a new awards program to honor a support staff person of the year.

Counseling and coaching strategies for employees have moved toward a more restorative approach, he said, similar to how teachers practice in the classroom, to help build strong relationships with employees of all backgrounds.

Gladfelter said his background working in urban settings gives him experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.

Before coming to Cape, Gladfelter said he spent nine years as a principal in the Brandywine School District, where he rotated through Mt. Pleasant, Lancashire and Claymont elementaries to help turn schools around.

Originally a music therapist, Gladfelter holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and music education from Mansfield University, a master’s degree in music therapy from Western Michigan University and a second master's degree in administration from Wilmington University.