The Elizabethtown Area School District (EASD) recently welcomed Daphne Kirkpatrick to its leadership team as the new assistant superintendent. The board unanimously approved Kirkpatrick at its Aug. 22 regularly-scheduled action meeting. She is currently the director of education for the Milton Area School District, where she has served for the past nine years.

Kirkpatrick was hired following an extensive search process that involved a series of interviews. The interview team comprised district and school administrators, teachers and school board members.

Kirkpatrick's hiring fills the void created when Karen Nell was elevated to the position of EASD superintendent. A start date is being worked out with Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick has extensive educational and leadership experience. Presently, she is responsible for evaluating positions, programs and course offerings across her current district. She also coordinates the curriculum, instruction and assessment efforts; directs the professional development, training and growth programs for all staff members; and monitors the ongoing evaluation of teaching and learning programs for the Milton Area School District.

In addition to her present role with the Milton Area School District, Kirkpatrick has served as acting superintendent, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, instruction and technology for the Midd-West School District in Middleburg as well as director of curriculum, instruction and technology and director of technology for the Danville Area School District in Danville. Kirkpatrick began her career in education as an elementary teacher for the Danville Area School District. Kirkpatrick is a member of various professional organizations.

Kirkpatrick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Bloomsburg University, a Master of Science in instructional technology from Bloomsburg University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Pennsylvania State University. She received supervisory certification in curriculum and instruction from Bloomsburg University and completed the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project from the Columbia University Teachers College in New York, N.Y.