Cape Henlopen School District Announces Administrative Reorganization, New Hires and Principal Retirements

The Cape Henlopen School District is announcing several administrative updates for the 2026-2027 school year, including leadership transitions, new administrators, and the retirement of two longtime principals and one assistant principal. These changes reflect the district’s commitment to strong leadership, collaboration, and continued success for students and schools across the district.

The district extends its sincere appreciation to two principals and one assistant who will retire at the conclusion of the current school year: Dr. Kimberly Corbidge, Principal of Lewes Elementary School, Dr. Doris Person, Principal of Rehoboth Elementary School, and Mr. Tim Slade, an Assistant Principal at Cape Henlopen High School, who will retire this fall. All have made lasting contributions to their school communities through years of dedicated service.

Assistant principal transitions for the 2026-2027 school year include:

• Dr. Jessica Hazzard to the Sussex Consortium from Cape Henlopen High School
• Dr. James McDowell to Beacon Middle School from Love Creek Elementary School
• Mr. Drew Coulter to Love Creek Elementary School from Cape High School
• Mr. Dontez Collins to Frederick D. Thomas Middle School from Beacon Middle School
• Dr. Meghan Catts to Cape Henlopen High School from Frederick D. Thomas Middle School
• Mrs. Julie Hickman to Cape Henlopen High School from H.O. Brittingham Elementary School

Promotions to principal for the 2026-2027 school year include:

• Mr. Alfredo Rodriguez is being promoted to Principal at Lewes Elementary School

The district is also pleased to welcome new administrators:

• Mr. Matthew Keen as Principal at Rehoboth Elementary School
• Mr. James “Jed” Bell as Assistant Principal at Cape Henlopen High School
• Dr. Jennifer Chaffinch as Assistant Principal at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School
• Dr. Chelsey Wharton as Assistant Principal at Lewes Elementary School

“We are incredibly grateful for the leadership, dedication, and lasting impact our retiring principals and assistant principal have had on our schools and the Cape community,” said Dr. Jenny Nauman. “As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome new leaders and thoughtfully align our administrative teams to best support our students, staff, and families. Strong leadership matters, and these transitions are centered on continuing the stability, collaboration, and student-first focus that define Cape. We remain committed to keeping our school communities informed and ensuring a smooth and successful start to the 2026-2027 school year.”