The School District of Lancaster board of directors unanimously approved a contract with Dr. Marcia D. Stokes to be the district’s next Chief Financial Officer, bringing to the district a nationally recognized school finance leader with extensive experience in public education, financial recovery, operations, and organizational leadership.
Dr. Stokes currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Harrisburg School District, where she has helped lead the district’s financial recovery efforts and operational transformation. During her tenure, Harrisburg became the first school district in Pennsylvania history to successfully emerge from state receivership, marking a significant milestone in the district’s fiscal and operational turnaround.
As SDoL works to strengthen its financial systems and organizational structure, Dr. Stokes’ appointment fulfills the district’s commitment to recruit a CFO with a strong public-sector finance background and deep expertise in financial oversight, accountability, and long-term strategic planning. The position was created as part of a broader reorganization designed to enhance internal controls, improve financial transparency, and strengthen executive-level financial leadership. She is expected to transition full-time to the district in September.
“Dr. Stokes is exactly the type of transformational leader we sought during our search,” said SDoL superintendent Dr. Keith Miles. “Her experience leading complex school finance operations, guiding financial recovery efforts, and building systems that promote accountability and transparency will be invaluable as we continue our work to ensure the district’s financial stability and long-term success. Most importantly, she shares our belief that every financial decision should ultimately support student achievement and opportunity.”
Dr. Stokes brings more than 15 years of school business leadership experience across multiple states and educational settings. Prior to joining Harrisburg, she served as Business Manager for the Tuscarora School District, where she oversaw finance, budgeting, human resources, transportation, facilities, and food service operations. Her career also includes leadership positions as Executive Director of Operations for ReNEW Schools, Chief Financial Officer for Erie County Technical School, and business administrator roles in New York school districts.
“I’m honored to step into this role at a pivotal time for the district,” she said. “My priority is clear: rebuild financial confidence through transparency, sound stewardship, and consistent accountability, so our community can trust that every resource is directed toward supporting our students.”
Dr. Stokes holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from California Southern University, a Graduate Certificate in Accounting from the University of Phoenix, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport, a master’s degree in management and human resource management from American Military University, and a bachelor’s degree in international business and economics from SUNY Brockport. She is a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations through the Association of School Business Officials International and serves in leadership roles with several professional school business organizations.
“Throughout my nearly 20-year career in school finance and operations, I’ve helped school districts turn financial challenges into long-term stability,” Dr. Stokes said. “I’ll bring that same hands-on, results-driven approach to the School District of Lancaster, and I’m ready to help build a financially strong path forward for our students.”
In her new role, Dr. Stokes will oversee the district’s financial operations, budgeting, payroll, financial planning, and fiscal reporting. She will work closely with district leadership and the school board to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer resources while supporting the district’s strategic priorities and educational mission.