Incumbent, newcomer file for Cape school board

Incumbent Janis Hanwell and newcomer Ashley Murray will vie for the at-large seat in the Cape Henlopen school board election, set for Tuesday, May 11.

First elected in 2016, Hanwell said she is seeking re-election because she believes a free public education can and should level the playing field for all children to become successful, productive adults.

“I want to use my skills and experience to continue to support Cape in these efforts, and to make sure parents and staff have a voice in decisions that are made in the interests of their students and children,” she said. 

Hanwell said her priorities include working with administration and staff to evaluate curriculum and instruction at all grade levels, and hiring the best leaders, role models and mentors for students. 

“I want to continue to work hard to make sure all children and their families feel seen, included and know that they belong,” she said. “I want to continue to work with a board that is passionate about helping children understand, appreciate and get along with people from different backgrounds, religions and cultures.”

The district has made great strides in increasing communication and in focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion since her term began, Hanwell said.

“But one of the things I love most about Cape staff, administration, the board and our community is that even when operations are running smoothly and gains are being made in all areas, none of us ever becomes complacent in our desire or actions to strive to be even better,” Hanwell said. 

The pandemic has taken a toll on families across the country, Hanwell said.

“I want to be able to see these unprecedented circumstances through by continuing to ensure we do what is best for our students, whether it’s remote, hybrid, or in-person instruction,” Hanwell said. “We have all learned a lot this past year, and I want to make sure our transition back to whatever becomes normal includes input from parents and staff as well as the technological, educational, personnel and mental health supports necessary for our staff and students to succeed.”

Hanwell’s career in education spans 31 years, during which time she held positions as a special education teacher, principal and administrator. She was project director for construction of the new Cape High, which opened to students in fall 2009, and in 2010, she retired after eight years as Cape assistant superintendent.

With the Cape High addition, the final two new elementary schools and a new middle school set to open, Hanwell said she has experience as a district administrator, board member, parent and grandparent to know how much time and energy goes into the decision-making process for realigning enrollment areas and ensuring staff are in place and funded, while also understanding how these decisions affect families. 

“I can play a huge part in making sure the public is aware of the process, has input and is kept informed as plans develop,” Hanwell said.  

Hanwell is Cape’s representative on the Delaware School Board Association board of directors, and is district representative on the DSBA legislative priorities committee. DSBA Executive Director John Marinucci said Hanwell also serves as the first vice president of the association and is a very active member both of the Cape board and DSBA.

“While the Delaware School Board Association bylaws prohibit the endorsing of one candidate over another, Janis Hanwell has been a member and strong supporter of the Delaware School Board Association since she began as a Cape Henlopen board member,” Marinucci said.  

Hanwell holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in marketing and graphic design, a master’s degree in special education and a doctorate in educational leadership. 

Currently, Hanwell is executive director of a nonprofit transportation co-op for seniors which operates throughout Sussex County. She lives in Lewes with her husband, a retired military officer, aerospace engineer and Cape grad. Her children are both Cape grads, and her two older grandchildren attend Shields Elementary.

Hanwell said the community can learn more about her on her Facebook page, Cape Henlopen School District Board Member At-Large - Janis Hanwell, or by emailing her at Janis.Hanwell@cape.k12.de.us. 

According to her email signature, Ashley Murray is an insurance representative for Allstate. She declined to be interviewed for this story, and said she would respond to questions posed to her on March 8. Murray did not submit responses or a requested photo by the Cape Gazette’s March 12 issue deadline.

The winning candidate will be sworn in for a five-year term starting in July that will expire June 30, 2026.