On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during its regularly scheduled meeting, the Elizabethtown Area School District Board of Education unanimously accepted the resignation of Dr. Karen Nell as Superintendent.

Board President Kelly Carter provided the following statement on behalf of the Board regarding Dr. Karen Nell’s resignation:

“Dr. Karen Nell has accepted the appointment as Superintendent of the Eastern Lebanon County School District, effective July 1, 2026. To facilitate a smooth transition for both districts, her final day in person with the Elizabethtown Area School District will be April 28, 2026.

Dr. Nell has expressed her appreciation to the School Board for the opportunity to serve the district and community. In turn, the Board extends its sincere gratitude for her leadership and service to the Elizabethtown Area School District. Dr. Nell received a satisfactory evaluation this year and met her established performance objectives.

The Board wishes Dr. Nell continued success in her new role at the Eastern Lebanon County School District.”

Following the acceptance of Dr. Nell’s resignation, the Board unanimously appointed Mr. Tom Strickler, the District’s Chief Financial Officer, as Interim Superintendent, effective April 29, 2026, ensuring stability and continuity in district leadership.

“The Board has full confidence in Mr. Strickler to lead the district through this transition period,” said Board President Kelly Carter.

Mr. Strickler is well-positioned to guide the District through this transition. He has served as Chief Financial Officer since joining the district in June 2023 following a unanimous Board appointment. His professional experience includes serving as Superintendent of the Columbia Borough School District from 2018 to 2020. In that role, he directed daily operations and long-range planning; hired staff; collaborated with the school board to secure resources; managed fiscal operations; supervised principals and staff; administered K–12 curriculum; and ensured compliance with all Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws and regulations.

Mr. Strickler also served as Director of Operations at the Eastern Lancaster County School District (Elanco), where he conducted a comprehensive review of expenditures and obligations, identified opportunities for fiscal consolidation, and led efforts that resulted in more than $500,000 in cost savings. Additionally, he has served as Director of Operations for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services. In his spare time, he drives school bus and charter bus trips.

Mr. Strickler earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from Elizabethtown College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He currently serves as Treasurer and Board member of Prima Theater, a Board member of the Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and as an active PIAA basketball referee.

As Interim Superintendent, Mr. Strickler will continue overseeing financial operations while leading key district initiatives, including implementation of the new comprehensive plan and the initial phases of the Middle School/High School Building Project.

“I’m honored to serve as Interim Superintendent and deeply appreciate the Board’s trust,” said Mr. Strickler. “My goal is to ensure every student has equitable opportunities while fully supporting our educators, staff, and leadership team as we move forward together.”

“The Board has full confidence in Mr. Strickler to lead the district through this transition period,” said Board President Kelly Carter.

The Board will begin the search for a permanent superintendent in the coming months and will provide updates and opportunities for stakeholder feedback as the process moves forward.