Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton announces his retirement

Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton announced his official retirement, effective Tuesday, July 1, during the school board meeting April 10 at Rehoboth Elementary School.

Fulton’s retirement marks the end of his 34 years at Cape, 13 of which were spent as superintendent.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to lead and serve along with such an incredible, dedicated board of education – the best board ever – as well as educators, staff, families and community, all of whom have played a vital role in the continued growth and success of our district,” Fulton said. “I want to thank you all for the opportunity to serve this remarkable district and for the trust you have placed with me over the years. It has truly been my privilege.”

Teary-eyed board members smiled as he spoke.

He said stepping away from the role is bittersweet, but he has full confidence in the strength and dedication of the district, staff and board members, as well as in the direction of the district.

“I am one piece of the puzzle here. Nothing we do is about one person or even a few people; it’s about everybody. And we have so many great individuals and educators and passionate people who love what they do here.

“I’m proud of all we have accomplished together, and I’m excited to witness the next chapter in Cape Henlopen’s continued journey of success.”

Board President Alison Myers thanked Fulton for an incredible ride.

“I can’t imagine being here without you and having done all the things we’ve done in at least the 11 years that I’ve been on the board with you,” said Myers.

“We weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and came out the other side with the highest academic testing scores in the state,” Myers added, according to a release from the district. “We wish Superintendent Fulton a well-deserved retirement filled with relaxation, joy and new adventures. His dedication and leadership will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire the district for years to come.”

Janis Hanwell, who has worked alongside Fulton in many positions throughout the years as a teacher, assistant principal, supervisor and current school board member, also spoke at the meeting.

“I will really miss this man,” said Hanwell. “He took care of me when I needed it, and I took care of him when he needed it. He will be missed.”

The school board held a special meeting April 14 to discuss the next steps in finding Fulton’s replacement. 

Prior to being promoted to superintendent in 2012, Fulton was assistant superintendent and human resources director for the district. He started as a special education teacher for the Cape district in 1990 and worked his way up through principal, supervisor of curriculum, director of secondary education, human resources director and assistant superintendent.

He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and earned his master's degree in educational leadership from Wilmington University in 1997.

During Fulton’s tenure as superintendent, the district has had to navigate significant growth in student population. District voters approved referendums in 2014 to build Love Creek Elementary, in 2016 to build new Rehoboth Elementary and H.O.B. Elementary schools and renovate Milton Elementary and the former Lewes School, and in 2018 to build Fred Thomas Middle School and build a 37,000-square-foot addition to Cape Henlopen High School. Despite a track record of success in previous referendums, the district was unable to convince voters in 2024 to approve the purchase of property off Plantation Road to build a new district office, transportation facility and swimming pool. The plan was to move the district office off the high school campus to allow for further expansion of the high school building.