Cheltenham School District Announces Building-Level Administrative Changes

(March 10, 2026) The Cheltenham School District is implementing several strategic, building-level administrative changes that will ensure the continued operational stability and academic growth of its schools. Changes will impact Cheltenham Elementary, Wyncote Elementary and Cedarbrook East., and are effective March 30. 

The lead administrator/vice principal at Cedarbrook East (CBKE) Middle School, Ms. Shareese Nelson (above left) will transition into the role of  interim principal at Cheltenham Elementary, succeeding Ms. Stephanie Junod who resigned recently after two plus years as principal. To fill Ms. Nelson’s role at CBKE, Wyncote Vice Principal Dr. Elsie Russell (above right) will be reassigned to CBKE as lead administrator/interim vice principal. An experienced, yet-to-be determined consulting administrator will be assigned to Wyncote. 

The CSD Board of School Directors approved these transitions at its Tuesday, March 10, 2026, legislative board meeting.

“I have often said that an organization must cultivate a ‘deep bench’ of leadership to sustain high levels of performance when transitions occur,” Superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven said. “These moves clearly demonstrate the strength of that philosophy. We are fortunate to have such committed and capable leaders within our ranks who are prepared to step forward and assume these critical roles when the moment calls for it.

• Ms. Nelson, who held numerous positions at the former Elkins Park School, including climate and culture administrator (2017), vice principal (2020), and interim principal (2024-25), is a PBIS leader and champion whose work has been showcased twice at the PA PBS State Forum and featured on the University of Oregon’s “Teach by Design” blog. Nelson, who earned her bachelor’s degree at Temple and a master’s degree in education from Chestnut Hill College, has served as a guest speaker at Arcadia University on developing PBIS programs in schools and presented at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) conference on developing equity programs in schools. Through her commitment to positive school climate and systems-driven leadership, she has strengthened family and community engagement by building meaningful partnerships with local businesses and universities. Her initiatives—including Lunch and Learn opportunities, community service outreach, and cultivating strong PTO collaboration—have fostered authentic connections between school and community. This intentional focus on culture, climate, and collaboration has led to a more positive and supportive school experience for students and families alike. 
   
• During her time in Cheltenham, Dr. Russell has served in several roles, including vice principal, climate and culture administrator, math specialist, reading specialist, and classroom teacher, supporting students and staff across Cheltenham, Glenside, and Wyncote Elementary Schools. Through these experiences, she will now have had the opportunity to work with many of the students who now attend Cedarbrook East. A graduate of West Chester University, she has focused on strengthening systems that support students academically and socially. She has led the implementation of PBIS and MTSS frameworks in multiple buildings, supported instructional teams through data-informed practices and “What I Need” (WIN) planning, and developed student leadership opportunities, such as the student ambassadors and Playworks Junior Coach programs. She has also partnered with families and PTOs to expand opportunities for student engagement. Her doctoral work at Drexel University focused on teacher professional development, and she has also led districtwide and building-based professional learning focused on MTSS, PBIS, culturally responsive instructional practices, and other approaches that support student growth.

“Please join me in congratulating Ms. Nelson and Dr. Russell on their new assignments,” Dr. Scriven said. “We are confident that their deep-rooted expertise and commitment to our students will ensure a seamless transition and continued academic excellence across our schools.”