Meet the Administration

  • David Beard
    Principal - Elizabethtown Area Middle School

    David Beard was named principal of Elizabethtown Area Middle School in August 2021. Mr. Beard is a graduate of Lock Haven University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education (2004). In addition, he was awarded Master's Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education (2013). He is presently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Neumann University.

    Prior to joining EASD, Mr. Beard was an assistant high school principal in the Solanco School District. He has extensive experience with new teacher induction, multi-tiered systems of support, and building targeted professional development opportunities for staff members. Mr. Beard has served as President of the PA Association for Curriculum and Instruction- Southern Region. In addition, he has participated in the PA Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development Emerging Leaders Program and sits on the Chamber of Commerce Consortium for Education.

    Kaitlyn Dobyns
    Assistant Principal - Elizabethtown Area Middle School

    Kaitlyn Dobyns joined the Elizabethtown Area Middle School Administration as the Dean of Students in August 2022 but moved into the Assistant Principal position in January 2023. Mrs. Dobyns graduated in 2013 from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Secondary Education. In 2019, she earned a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis on Peace from Elizabethtown College, followed by her administrative certificate from Shippensburg in 2021. Mrs. Dobyns has attended and presented at a variety of conferences for English Education such as PCTELA and NCTE.

    Prior to coming to Elizabethtown, Mrs. Dobyns taught English Language Arts in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at Susquehanna Township. While there, she gained extensive experience working with Restorative Practices with a variety of student backgrounds and skill levels. She facilitated many project-based learning opportunities, where students drove their academics based on personal interests to meet content and curriculum standards. She was also highly involved with building a positive school climate and community district wide as well as reestablishing multi-tiered interventions and collaborative learning. Mrs. Dobyns is excited to use her experiences at Etown!