Sussex Academy announces new board leadership

New board leaders have taken the reins at Sussex Academy.

Following unanimous executive board votes in June, Ed Hale was named president, Erin Perchiniak was elected vice president and Tom Clark was appointed treasurer for the 2025-26 school year.

All three officers have children attending Sussex Academy, and all board members said they look forward to building upon the positive momentum launched in the 2024-25 school year.

Hale had served as vice president under former President Jen Donahue, whose recent judicial appointment necessitated her resignation from the board.

As an assistant professor at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment with Delaware Sea Grant, Hale focuses his research on aquaculture and fisheries ecology.

Head of School Kyle Bentley’s arrival in summer 2024 has improved both the schools’ financial outlook and employee morale, Hale said.

“It has been great to watch the positive changes and improvements as the school grows,” Hale said. “We have returned to our focus and purpose as an academic school. Our goal is long-term sustainability and student success.”

Perchiniak is an associate professor of biology in Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, where she also researches how gene variations can lead to different responses to certain drug treatments.

The board has concentrated heavily on investing simultaneously in staff and infrastructure, Perchiniak said. “We’re turning a leaf, and that’s important for us to grow,” she said.

A financial analyst for Dogfish Head, Clark was first named to the board in November 2024. He said he has enjoyed applying his knowledge of finance to the field of education.

In so doing, Clark has worked to simplify financials to make reports easier for employees and the public to understand.

“We’re demystifying the financials, and we’re all moving in the same direction,” said Clark.

All board leaders said they would like to have involvement from more Sussex Academy families. Several committees have membership openings for the next school year, Hale said.

“It’s important to get feedback from the community,” he said.

“Our board doesn’t operate in isolation, and we’d like to have more public comment,” Perchiniak said. “Everyone is committed to making the school a better place.”

Sussex Academy’s volunteer board members have expertise in curriculum and instruction; business management; finance and accounting; leadership and governance; diversity issues; at-risk populations and children with disabilities; health and wellness; and school operations.