New director of operations takes reins in Cape district
Experienced school financial leader Jason Hale has been named director of operations for the Cape Henlopen School District.
In this newly created position, Hale will oversee instructional technology, information technology, child nutrition, facilities and maintenance, and transportation.
Most recently, Hale served five years as chief financial officer for Brandywine School District, where he also oversaw facilities, child nutrition and transportation. Prior to that, he was director of business for New Castle County Vocational Technical School District for 17 years.
Every district has different challenges, Hale said. While Cape has fewer students than Brandywine, its geographical area is larger and more complex to manage than Brandywine’s, he said.
Focusing on meeting the needs of the district’s underserved population is paramount, Hale said, noting that school nutrition plays a big part in providing equity for all students.
Hale said he looks forward to meeting members of his departments, and he plans to set high expectations and high standards while providing effective feedback and ensuring they feel appreciated.
He made the move to Sussex County after becoming engaged to Cape grad Sara Croce, who is now chief financial officer for Milford School District. Croce has two young children, and Hale has two children, one an upcoming sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, and the other a rising junior at Concord High School.
Everything is about the kids, Hale said, which is a great perspective he has carried throughout his career. Hale said he likes to put himself in the shoes of parents so he can more fully appreciate their concerns.
“We’re here to support the students in our community, not the other way around,” Hale said.
Hale is a past president and board member of Delaware Association of School Administrators, and has known Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton and Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman through statewide associations.
“I always wanted to come down here, so this is a dream come true,” Hale said. “The leadership team is exceptional, and the opportunity to work with them is great. It’s clear everyone has students in their minds first and foremost.”
A former public accountant who audited school districts for two years out of college, Hale maintains his Certified Public Accountant license.
The Hopewell, N.J. native earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in economics from the University of Delaware, where he also received his master’s degree in educational leadership. Hale earned his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Wilmington University.
