Allen named CFO for Lexington School District 1

The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of Shelley Sharpe Allen as the district’s new chief financial officer at the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Allen currently serves as chief financial officer for Lexington School District Four.

With more than 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing and financial management, Allen brings extensive experience in public school finance, budgeting, capital projects, financial reporting and district operations. She has worked closely with school boards, superintendents and district leaders to ensure responsible financial management and support the needs of students, employees and schools.

“Ms. Allen brings an incredible depth of experience in public school finance and a strong understanding of what it takes to manage a district’s resources responsibly,” Superintendent Keith Price said. “Her experience working with school districts across South Carolina, along with her commitment to financial transparency and accountability, will be a tremendous asset to Lexington One. We are excited to welcome her to our team and look forward to the leadership and expertise she will bring to our district.”

As chief financial officer for Lexington School District Four, Allen oversees the district’s financial operations, including budgeting, procurement, payroll, grants accounting and capital project finances.

Before joining Lexington Four in 2024, Allen served as human resources data analysis manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. In addition, she previously spent more than a decade in Richland School District Two, serving as chief financial officer and executive director of financial services.

In those roles, she oversaw district financial operations, managed multimillion-dollar budgets and capital projects and supported long-term financial planning.

She previously served as chief financial officer and director of finance for Lexington School District Two, where she led financial operations, budget development and financial reporting. Earlier in her career, she held financial leadership positions with the Chester County School District and worked in public accounting, conducting audits for South Carolina school districts and local governments.

In addition to her professional experience, Allen has been actively involved in statewide school finance organizations.

She previously served as president of the South Carolina Association of School Business Officials and currently serves on the board of the South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations.

Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a major in accounting from the University of South Carolina.