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ELCO board appoints Dr. Karen Nell as superintendent and approves multi‑year tech, textbook and facilities purchases
Summary
At its April 20 meeting the Eastern Lebanon County School Board approved the appointment of Dr. Karen Nell as superintendent beginning July 1, 2026; voted to adopt several new textbooks (with split votes on social studies titles); and approved multi‑year technology and facilities contracts including a five‑year Apple equipment agreement and a Fort Zeller playground replacement.
The Eastern Lebanon County School Board on April 20 approved a slate of personnel moves, curriculum adoptions and contracts, including the appointment of Dr. Karen Nell as superintendent for a five‑year term starting July 1, 2026.
The board voted, as part of Personnel Committee items A–Z, to accept several resignations and leaves, approve new hires and transfers, and ratify stipends and summer staffing lists. Item F in that packet — the appointment of Dr. Karen Nell — was approved by the full board and will take effect July 1, 2026.
The Curriculum Committee brought multiple textbook adoptions to the board. A new Personal Financial Literacy text (McGraw‑Hill) passed unanimously by roll call. Several social studies texts tied to a course realignment passed by narrower margins: Temas: World History (7th grade), World History Interactive, The American Pageant (AP U.S. History) and American Politics and Government Today (AP U.S. Government) were all approved with recorded yes and no votes, reflecting differing views among board members about the social studies materials and course structure.
The board also approved a five‑year purchase agreement with Apple Financial Services totaling $534,766.45 ($104,953.29 per year) to refresh laptops, desktops, Apple TVs, device management software and to provide related professional learning. The agreement was described as budgeted and as a renewal under the district’s existing purchasing plan.
Under General Services, the board accepted a LowV Systems proposal to purchase and install four servers at a cost of $32,000, noting the expense will be covered by Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Grant #43310. The board approved a one‑year renewal support contract with Morefield for Mitel phone system support at $14,104. It also approved a George Ely Associates proposal to replace playground equipment at Fort Zeller Elementary for $164,431; the playground project will be funded from proceeds of the 2025 debt restructuring.
On finance items, the board approved payment of bills for March 2026 that included $2,190,790.19 in General Fund disbursements and other fund payments as listed on the agenda. The board approved the 2026‑2027 Lebanon County CTC Budget, which represents a 7.42 percent increase for the district ($70,498). The board also approved Resolution #04‑20‑2026 I concerning the Lancaster‑Lebanon IU13 budget. Vendor contracts for yearbook printing, photography services and a CSIU agreement for fund accounting, payroll and HR modules were also approved.
Administrators provided routine reports: principals outlined upcoming testing and spring events; directors discussed digital accessibility training and safety‑reunification planning; Mrs. Vicente announced a Legacy Barn groundbreaking and an Ag Day fundraiser and reported a $2,499.51 donation from Giant Food Stores. Public comment included one on‑agenda speaker who raised the topic of textbook purchases.
The board adjourned at 7:44 p.m. following brief member announcements. No old or new business beyond the published agenda was discussed.
