At its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21, the Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education accepted Superintendent of Schools Emily Capella’s letter of intent to retire, effective July 1.
LRHSD Board President Ted Shinske expressed regret on behalf of the board.
“Mrs. Capella has been an inspiration to the board, administration, staff and students,” Shinske said. “Through intelligence, energy and determination, Mrs. Capella has ensured that every student in the Lenape District is given the best opportunities to succeed in school and in life. We’re really going to miss her.”
In her letter, Capella expressed that next to her family, the district has been her greatest source of gratification and pride. She thanked the entire community for their unwavering commitment to children and their support throughout her career.
“I will deeply miss being a daily part of the Lenape District family,” Capella wrote.
“As I depart at the close of the school year, I feel confident the district will remain focused on its mission of promoting student achievement, and will build upon its rich tradition of success to continue to be a model for public education.”
With no immediate career plans upon her retirement, Capella added, “I’m an optimist and believe sincerely that in careers and in life, when one door closes, another one opens.”
Capella began her career in 1977 as a teacher at Cherokee High School, where she was named assistant principal in 1992 before being asked by then Superintendent Daniel Hicks to join the central administration as director of programs and planning.
Capella was appointed assistant superintendent in 2000.
She succeeded Hicks as superintendent upon his retirement in 2007.
“I have had the good fortune of working with two outstanding superintendents,” said Shinske, who has served on the Lenape District board for 15 years. “Dr. Hicks did a lot to prepare the district for the 21st century, and Mrs. Capella has worked to maintain and improve those high standards.”
According to the 2010/2011 New Jersey School Report Card, the Lenape District has a 97.7 percent graduation rate, with 91.6 percent of graduates attending 268 colleges and universities. Additionally, SAT scores are above the national average and cost per pupil is below the state average.
Shinske added, “Dedicated people like Emily Capella have helped make the Lenape District an outstanding institution dedicated to the success of our young people.”
