GASD teacher promoted to Lincoln Elementary principal

A new principal will greet Gettysburg Area School District’s Lincoln Elementary School students when they return to class later this month. The district’s board unanimously hired Dr. Katherine Schiefer during Monday’s meeting. 

She replaces Dr. Matthew McFarland, who was promoted to assistant superintendent earlier this year. Schiefer’s salary is $105,584, according to the meeting’s agenda.

Dr. Katherine Schiefer, principal of Gettysburg Area School District's Lincoln Elementary Principal

Schiefer is a 1999 GAHS graduate, who spent her sophomore year and first half of her junior year at Lincoln when it served as the district’s high school building. She spent about half of her high school career at Lincoln. She also has a personal connection to the building, since her father served as the high school librarian at what is now the Lincoln Library. He retired after 33 years with Gettysburg Area School District. Schiefer has “fond memories of spending childhood summer days there,” helping him put books on the shelves and visiting the library.

She earned her Bachelors of Art from Alvernia University, Masters of Science from Wilkes University, and Doctorate of Education from Immaculata University. She joined the GASD staff in 2004 and has been an elementary teacher, a gifted support teacher, and an interim Middle School assistant principal.

“As a proud Gettysburg graduate and local, I’m beyond excited to lead and give back to the community that helped shape me. I can’t wait to learn and grow alongside the amazing staff, students, and families at Lincoln Elementary,” Schiefer said. “My goal is to build a school where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to shine. I’m so looking forward to getting to know the people who make Lincoln such a special place!”

Board member Al Moyer expressed excitement for Schiefer’s hire. 

“I personally think she is going to do an amazing job,” Moyer said.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Matzner echoed Moyer’s remarks.

“Katherine Schiefer’s commitment to our district and passion for elementary education make her the perfect fit to become the next Lincoln Elementary principal,” Matzner said. “She has dedicated over two decades to serving the students and families of our district. I’m excited to see her step into this new leadership role, and I know she’ll continue to make a lasting impact.”

Projects on track

Business Manager Belinda Wallen reported that several construction projects are progressing according to schedule. The district expects a certificate of occupancy to be filed for Lincoln Elementary School on Aug. 14. The renovations included HVAC, building automation, lighting upgrades, a new sprinkler system, emergency generator, fire alarm, refurbishment of an existing pedestrian bridge, and a public address system.

New windows for Franklin Township Elementary School, high school greenhouse upgrades, and a new Warrior Stadium scoreboard are also on track, Wallen said. The board approved the scoreboard purchase in February at a cost not to exceed $245,000 with an expectation that sponsorships would cover the cost. Wallen praised District Communications Coordinator Vanessa Sanders for leading the sponsorship effort.

“We are well on our way to recuperating our investment,” Wallen said.

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​Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.

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