Elizabethtown Area Board of School Directors Announces Appointment of Tom Strickler as Superintendent
The Board of School Directors is pleased to announce that Mr. Tom Strickler, the District’s current Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) and Interim Superintendent, has been appointed Superintendent of the Elizabethtown Area School District effective July 1, 2026. Mr. Strickler will continue to serve concurrently in his role as CFOO.
Mr. Strickler joined the District in June 2023 as CFOO and was later appointed Interim Superintendent following the departure of Dr. Karen Nell, who accepted the position of Superintendent of the Eastern Lebanon County School District.
As Interim Superintendent, Mr. Strickler successfully balanced the responsibilities of leading the District while continuing to oversee its financial and operational functions. During his time at Elizabethtown, he has played a central role in advancing several key initiatives, including implementation of the District’s Comprehensive Plan and the initial phases of the Middle School/High School Building Project. Since joining Elizabethtown, he has become a respected member of the leadership team, recognized for his collaborative approach, commitment to students, and focus on continuous improvement.
A Proven Record of Leadership
Mr. Strickler brings extensive educational, operational, and executive leadership experience to the position. Prior to joining Elizabethtown, he served as Superintendent of the Columbia Borough School District, where he led daily operations, strategic planning, personnel management, curriculum oversight, fiscal administration, and board relations. He worked closely with the Board to secure resources, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support student achievement.
Mr. Strickler also served as Director of Operations for the Eastern Lancaster County School District (ELANCO), where he conducted a comprehensive review of expenditures and operational practices that resulted in more than $500,000 in savings. He successfully recruited and developed key administrative leaders while implementing systems designed to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
His professional experience also includes service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and leadership positions within the private sector.
A graduate of Elizabethtown College, Mr. Strickler earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. He remains actively engaged in professional and community organizations, including the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, the Mental Health Association of Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, and Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania.
Why the Board Chose Internal Leadership
Board President Kelly Carter acknowledged that some members of the community questioned whether the District should conduct a comprehensive search for superintendent candidates.
“We explored the option of conducting a search,” Carter said. “What we are seeking is not simply an educational leader but an organizational leader who understands our students, our staff, our culture, our goals, and our community. We believe Tom Strickler is positioned well to do exactly that.”
The Board recognized that an external candidate would require significant time to learn the District’s operations, relationships, and priorities. By appointing a leader who already possesses that knowledge, the District benefits from continuity, stability, and the ability to move forward without interruption.
“Tom has demonstrated a deep commitment to our students and staff,” Carter added. "He consistently emphasizes it’s about putting students first, as well as setting ambitious goals, and building a culture where everyone works together as one team. We are already seeing the positive impact of that leadership philosophy throughout the District.”
If we are truly going to achieve excellence and coherence throughout the district, it will require all of us working together while keeping students at the center of every decision we make.
A Deliberate Decision
While the Board ultimately selected an internal candidate, it first conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Mr. Strickler’s qualifications and readiness to assume the permanent superintendency.
The Board facilitated a formal interview process consistent with District policy and sound human resource practices. Reference checks were completed, and extensive discussions were held regarding Mr. Strickler’s leadership philosophy, strategic priorities, and vision for the future of the Elizabethtown Area School District.
This process provided Board members with the opportunity to assess not only his past performance but also his capacity to lead the District into its next chapter.
Looking Ahead
One of the Board’s highest priorities is to work collaboratively with Mr. Strickler to develop a bold and ambitious roadmap for the future. This work will include strategic goal setting, leadership development, continuous improvement initiatives, a comprehensive superintendent evaluation process, and investments designed to strengthen organizational capacity and ensure long-term success.
Mr. Strickler expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“If we are truly going to achieve excellence and coherence throughout the district, it will require all of us working together while keeping students at the center of every decision we make,” Strickler said. “We just had a tremendous four-day Leadership Academy with the entire administration, and we are excited to get to work. I am honored by the confidence the Board has placed in me and thrilled to serve as the next Superintendent of the Elizabethtown Area School District. I also expect the Board to challenge me, hold me accountable, and demand excellence. I welcome that responsibility and will do everything in my power to meet it.”