Kathleen Sheehan named Beacon Middle principal

Kathleen Sheehan, Beacon Middle assistant principal, takes over leadership of the school effective July 1.

“It was a welcome surprise,” Sheehan said by phone June 26. “I’m very excited to continue at Beacon, where I have really great relationships with the staff, families and, most importantly, the kids.”

In March, district officials had announced that Sheehan would move to the assistant principal role at Mariner Middle, taking the place of Emily Lehne, who was named Beacon Middle principal. 

In June, officials stated that Lehne had decided to remain at Mariner due to personal reasons and in the best interest of her family.

Dontez Collins was named Beacon assistant principal in April, and Sheehan said she looks forward to working with Collins as he takes over her former position.

Sheehan said she anticipates a busy summer and school year as she learns her new role and collaborates with Mariner Principal Fred Best and Dave Frederick, her predecessor at Beacon, who takes over as Frederick D. Thomas Middle principal, in helping develop enrollment areas for the new middle school in Lewes.

“The three of use have a great working relationship, and I’ll continue to lean on and communicate with Mr. Frederick as a resource,” she said.

Before joining Beacon five years ago, Sheehan was a math specialist and teacher in the Anne Arundel, Md., public school system. She grew up in Chester County, Pa., and received her bachelor’s degree in education from West Chester University, where she also played lacrosse.

Sheehan earned her master’s degree in secondary math education from Towson University and her doctoral degree from Wilmington University.

In her free time, she enjoys cycling, working out and coaching her daughter’s Atlantic Lacrosse Club team. The family lives in Lewes and her daughter attends Rehoboth Elementary.