By Brooke Schultz

DOVER — Dr. Vilicia Cade has been appointed Capital School District’s new superintendent.

“Thank you for this opportunity to join the Senator nation,” Dr. Cade said during a livestreamed board meeting Wednesday night. “I’m elated. I’m ecstatic to be a part of this community. I’m looking forward to jumping in and learning all that I can to support my board’s vision for excellence.”

The board voted to appoint Dr. Cade 4-0, with Sean Christiansen absent. 

Dr. Cade comes to the district after a move from Ohio, where she served as chief academic officer in Sandusky City Schools. She previously served as senior director of teaching and learning for the Christina School District, according to an online bio.

The appointment concludes a nearly 12-month process, beginning when Dr. Dan Shelton resigned from Capital in June 2020 to take the same post in the Christina district. The board appointed Dr. Sylvia Henderson, assistant superintendent, in the interim role. 

After putting out a request for proposals, with support from the Delaware School Boards Association, late last year, the board hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to lead its superintendent search in January. The search cost $18,000, district officials said previously.

“Through our core value of leadership through inclusiveness, I see Capital School District emerging as the premiere district in the state of Delaware,” Dr. Cade said. 

In a previous meeting, HYA indicated a possible July 1 start date for the new superintendent.