Cheltenham Changes Leadership At 3 Schools

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Cheltenham School District will implement administrative changes at three schools at the end of the month.

Schools Superintendent Brian W. Scriven said leadership changes will be made at Cheltenham Elementary School, Wyncote Elementary School, and Cedarbrook East Middle School, effective March 30.

"These leadership transitions were designed to support student stability and academic growth," the superintendent said.

These are the administrative changes:

• Shareese Nelson, who currently serves as the lead administrator/vice principal at Cedarbrook East Middle School, will become the interim principal at Cheltenham Elementary. She succeeds Ms. Stephanie Junod, who recently resigned after more than two years as principal.
• Elsie Russell, the current Wyncote Vice Principal, will be reassigned to Cedarbrook East as the lead administrator and interim vice principal.
• The district plans to assign an experienced consulting administrator to Wyncote Elementary.

Scriven stated that an organization must cultivate a “deep bench” of leadership to sustain high levels of performance when transitions occur.

Nelson has held various positions at the former Elkins Park School, including climate and culture administrator, vice principal, and interim principal.

She is recognized as a PBIS leader, with her work showcased at the PA PBS State Forum and featured on the University of Oregon’s “Teach by Design” blog.

Nelson has also been a guest speaker at Arcadia University and presented at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association conference.

Russell has served in several roles within the district, including vice principal, climate and culture administrator, math specialist, reading specialist, and classroom teacher.

Her experience includes supporting students and staff across Cheltenham, Glenside, and Wyncote Elementary Schools.

She has focused on strengthening systems for academic and social student support and has led the implementation of PBIS and MTSS frameworks in multiple buildings. Her doctoral work at Drexel University focused on teacher professional development.

The Cheltenham School District Board of School Directors is scheduled to approve these transitions at its legislative board meeting tonight. The district is confident that the expertise of Nelson and Russell will ensure a seamless transition and continued academic excellence.