The School District of Lancaster today announced a series of financial leadership and organizational changes designed to strengthen internal controls, improve oversight, and ensure greater accuracy and transparency in financial operations.
These actions follow the district’s review of recent budget projection errors and are part of a broader effort to reinforce financial systems and leadership. District officials emphasized that while the errors did not create the district’s longstanding structural financial challenges, they highlighted the need for clearer accountability, stronger internal checks, and additional financial leadership capacity.
“As superintendent, it is my responsibility to ensure that our financial operations are accurate, transparent, and worthy of the trust our community places in us,” said Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles. “That means addressing both processes and leadership structure, and taking decisive action to strengthen how we manage and oversee district finances.”
As part of this effort, the district’s current Chief Financial and Operations Officer will transition to the role of Director of Operations, a position he previously held. This change aligns responsibilities with operational expertise while allowing the district to refocus executive‑level financial leadership, Miles said. Additionally, the district’s Director of Finance will retire at the conclusion of the school year.
Looking ahead, the district will conduct a national search for a Chief Financial Officer with a strong public‑sector finance background. Under the new structure, the CFO will directly supervise only two employees, the Payroll Manager and a newly created Assistant Director of Finance, ensuring the capacity to conduct ongoing monitoring, ensure accuracy, and provide strategic financial leadership to the board and administration.
The Assistant Director of Finance will provide additional leadership in the department and serve as the district’s controller, replacing the prior controller position, which will be eliminated. District leaders stressed that these changes are position‑neutral and do not increase the number of administrative roles. Instead, they refocus responsibilities to strengthen internal controls, day‑to‑day financial management, and oversight.
During the transition, the district will recommend the appointment of Charles “Chuck” Linderman as Interim Business Administrator. Linderman retired in 2019 after 35 years as Director of Business Affairs for Great Valley School District and has since served as interim business administrator for multiple districts, including Allentown, Coatesville, Cheltenham, and Octorara. He brings extensive experience stabilizing district finances and mentoring permanent replacements.
In his interim role, Linderman will provide leadership and continuity and will be authorized to review business office operations and recommend additional organizational or staffing adjustments to improve efficiency, management, and coordination if appropriate. The School Board will vote on his appointment at its meeting April 21.
“These steps reflect our commitment to accountability and continuous improvement,” Miles said. “They are not about assigning blame. They are about ensuring the School District of Lancaster has the leadership, structure, and safeguards in place to move forward with confidence and integrity.”
More information about the district’s budget process and financial planning efforts is available on the district’s budget page.