Hanwell begins second five-year term on Cape school board

The Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting July 8, marking the start of Janis Hanwell’s second five-year term and the election of officers.

Superintendent Bob Fulton presented Hanwell with her certificate of election. Hanwell was re-elected to the board May 11 after defeating challenger Ashley Murray 3,108 to 1,212 in total votes to retain her five-year, at-large seat. 

Hanwell retired from the district as assistant superintendent in 2010, after a 31-year career in education as a special education teacher, principal and school administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts design and art education, a master’s degree in K-12 special education and human resources, and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Board President Alison Myers was elected to another one-year term as president for the 2021-22 school year. First elected to her at-large seat in 2014, Myers was re-elected in 2019. She has served as president for the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. 

Myers, a former special education teacher, holds a bachelor's degree in economics, a master's degree in education and a doctorate in educational leadership, all from the University of Delaware. 

Jason Bradley, board vice president for the 2020-21 school year, nominated Julie Derrick to serve as vice president for 2021-22; she was unanimously elected. First elected in 2017, Derrick is the Area D representative on the board. 

Derrick holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree with dual certification in elementary and special education from Wilmington University.