We are honored to share that at the March 18, 2024, School Board meeting, our Board of School Directors took action on an administrative recommendation to appoint Ms. Amber Owen as the new principal of Hampden Elementary School. She replaces Mr. Todd Franze, who will transition later this school year to the principal position at Green Ridge Elementary School.

Ms. Owen comes to Cumberland Valley School District from Millersburg Area School District, where she currently serves as their elementary school principal. Prior, she was a K-12 instructional coach at Greenwood School District and a 5th grade teacher in Central Dauphin School District.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Hampden Elementary family. I am incredibly passionate about education and making learning engaging, exciting, and meaningful,” said Ms. Owen. “I also deeply value forging strong relationships with students, staff, and families. I’m looking forward to continuing and growing the awesome work that is Hampden Elementary School.”

Dr. Greg Milbrand, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, said that Ms. Owen quickly rose to the top of a very competitive applicant pool and that her wealth of experience will serve her well as she moves into her new role at Hampden Elementary School.

“We are confident her optimistic approach to leadership will help Ms. Owen quickly develop positive relationships among the students, staff, and the entire Hampden community, and we cannot wait to have her join the Cumberland Valley elementary leadership team,” said Dr. Milbrand.

Ms. Owen holds a Master of Education from Millersville University and a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Penn State Harrisburg.

It is anticipated that Ms. Owen will transition from Millersburg to CV later this school year, at which point she will work with Mr. Franze for a short period before he officially transitions to Green Ridge. We will communicate with Hampden families when we have a firm date. In addition, families should watch for communication directly from Ms. Owen in the coming weeks.

Hampden Elementary School

Welcome, Amber Owen!