Principals
Dr. Ed Beckmann - Building Principal
Hello Stars Community! My name is Ed Beckmann, and I am the proud Principal at Becky-David Elementary! The 2025-2026 school year will be my second year at Becky-David and this year is my 17th year in education. Before joining Becky-David and the Francis Howell School District, I served as a middle school English Language Arts teacher, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and a Building Principal in the St. Louis area. Francis Howell has a special place in my family's hearts as my wife is a teacher in the district, and my children are also Francis Howell students. Mrs. Beckmann is an elementary ESOL teacher, our son Eli is a sixth-grader, our son Gabe is a second-grader, and our daughter Josie will be a kindergartner before we know it!
I believe in the African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child." As Principal, I look forward to the challenge of collaborating with our school community to ensure that every child and family in our amazing school receives what they need so they can excel. For this to happen, we will put a focus on positive relationships and our instructional leaders will be a mobile, visible presence in the building.
Outside of Becky-David, the Beckmann family is pretty busy! The easiest place to find us is probably on a soccer field. Eli and Gabe are avid soccer players and fans, and I also coach and assist in my free time. We also like to travel, go on hikes, and spend time at the pool.
Even though I am a new member to the Becky-David team, I take pride in our history and many accomplishments. Becky-David is a National Blue Ribbon and Missouri Gold Star school and I am excited every day to keep those practices in place that led us to earning those awards. After all, at Becky-David, we shine bright by living our motto: Do Your Best Work and Be Your Best Self.
Dr. Alex Orlando - Assistant Principal
Hello, Stars Family! My name is Alex Orlando. I am the new assistant principal at Becky-David Elementary. I proudly served as a 5th grade teacher for the last 5 years in the Wentzville School District at Heritage Intermediate Elementary, prior to my coming to Becky-David. I have been supporting students in the educational setting for the last 10 years. During my time in Wentzville, I also served as the 5th grade GLC, worked on the ELA curriculum writing team, and served as the 2023 summer school principal.
I received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University, in December of 2022. My three siblings and myself are all Francis Howell graduates and I am excited to return to my Francis Howell community and family. I am expecting my first child in August, his name is Lincoln, and I am looking forward to all the blessings motherhood will bring to me.
I am so honored to join Becky-David and this extraordinary school district as an assistant principal. I have always been inspired by their rich legacy of excellence and community and I know that together, we will continue to foster an environment where every student can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Betsy Arnold - Assistant Principal
Hello Stars! My name is Betsy Arnold, and I'm one of the Assistant Principals at Becky-David. Educational experiences and the relationships built in the school setting are important to my family and I. My husband Chuck is a teacher and coach in the Wentzville School District. I have three daughters, Reagan, Rhen, and Micah, who are very involved in their schools in the Troy School District. Our family loves sports, the outdoors, and riding horses. Looking forward to a great year!