Superintendent's Page

Dr. Karen Nell is excited to join the Eastern Lebanon County School District as its next Superintendent and looks forward to getting to know the students, families, staff, and community members who make ELCO such a special place.

A lifelong educator with more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Nell most recently served as Superintendent of the Elizabethtown Area School District. Throughout her career, she has served as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of curriculum and instruction, principal, assistant principal, and teacher, giving her a broad understanding of the many roles that contribute to a successful school district.

Dr. Nell earned her doctorate in Educational Administration from Temple University and has dedicated her career to helping schools create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. She believes strong schools are built on trust, open communication, responsible stewardship of resources, and meaningful partnerships with families and the community.

Originally from Lebanon County, Dr. Nell is honored to return to the area and serve the ELCO community. She is committed to listening, learning, and working alongside students, staff, families, and community partners to build on the district's strengths and support a bright future for every student.

Outside of work, Dr. Nell enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, hiking, volunteering in the community, and supporting the local organizations and traditions that make Lebanon County such a special place to live, work, and learn.

Dear ELCO Community,

It is a privilege and an honor to introduce myself as the next Superintendent of the Eastern Lebanon County School District.

As a Lebanon County resident, I have long admired the pride people take in this community, its schools, and its traditions. Throughout the interview process, I was impressed by the strong sense of connection among students, families, staff, and community members, and I am excited to become part of that story.

For more than 25 years, I have worked in public education as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and superintendent. Those experiences have taught me that successful schools are built on strong relationships, open communication, trust, and a shared commitment to helping young people reach their full potential.

I am also excited to partner with Dr. Michael Gerhart, who will serve as ELCO's next Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Gerhart brings more than two decades of educational experience and a deep understanding of ELCO, having served the district in a variety of leadership roles over the past seventeen years. His commitment to students, staff, and the community is well known, and I am grateful to have a partner who knows the district so well.

Together, we are committed to building on ELCO's strengths while ensuring the district continues to move forward in thoughtful and meaningful ways. We believe the best decisions are made when people work together, communicate openly, and remain focused on what is best for students.

As I begin my work at ELCO, my first priority will be listening and learning. I look forward to spending time in our schools, meeting students and staff, attending community events, and getting to know the families and residents who care so deeply about this district. My goal is to understand what ELCO does well, where opportunities for growth exist, and how we can continue moving forward together.

You can expect me to be visible, accessible, and engaged. I believe important decisions are strengthened when people have opportunities to share their perspectives and when communication is open, honest, and respectful. I also believe in building on existing strengths, honoring the district's traditions, and making thoughtful decisions that keep students at the center of our work.

ELCO has much to be proud of, and I am excited to partner with the Board of School Directors, faculty, staff, families, students, and community members as we work together to support the success of every child.

Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received. Dr. Gerhart and I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks and months ahead.

Warmly,

Karen Nell