After 15 years leading the Caesar Rodney School District, Superintendent Kevin Fitzgerald is planning to step down March 31.
He announced his retirement to the Caesar Rodney staff Wednesday afternoon, and the district sent a press release about the change on Thursday.
In his letter to the staff, Fitzgerald said, “Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for all that you have done for the children of the Caesar Rodney School District. Over the last 30 plus years, I have been proud to work with you in providing our children with one of the best possible educations in the State of Delaware and I want to thank you.”
Fitzgerald has accepted the position of senior educational leadership specialist with the University of Delaware’s Academy of School Leadership.
“Sadly one journey must end before a new one can begin,” he said.
He said he appreciates the opportunities that have been provided to him by parents, the CR board of education, the administrators, staff, students and the community.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together over the years,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m looking forward to the new opportunity that lies ahead continuing to work with superintendents and other school leaders throughout Delaware [and] the country.”
He joined the district as an assistant principal in 1991, was promoted to principal at Caesar Rodney High School in 1998 and then to superintendent in 2007. During his tenure as superintendent, six district schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools while the district renovated multiple buildings, constructed two new schools, expanded academic programs and added a language immersion program and all-day kindergarten.
CR Board of Education President Mike Marasco said the board will begin an immediate search for a new superintendent. The district in the Camden-Wyoming area has an enrollment of about 8,200 students at 14 campuses including one kindergarten, one special education school, seven elementary schools, four middle schools and one high school.
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On behalf of the board of education, Marasco congratulated Fitzgerald for his service.
“During his 30 plus year career with CR he has been a strong and innovative role model for the district,” Marasco said. “Dr. Fitzgerald’s foresight and attention to detail has enabled Caesar Rodney to remain one of the best districts in the state.”
Marasco said Fitzgerald’s natural ability to relate to students and staff members has earned him the reputation throughout the state as a superintendent that can “make it happen.”
Fitzgerald has been recognized as Delaware’s Superintendent of the Year twice and National Superintendent of the Year in 2018. He was honored by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals in 2019 as the National Educational Administrator of the Year. While principal of CR High School, he was selected Delaware Secondary School Principal of the Year.
“Dr. Fitzgerald will be missed, and he should be proud of the amazing advancements he helped craft for the many thousands of students that have been educated under his leadership,” said Marasco.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
