Jim Smith, the current director of finance for the Griffin-Spalding County School System, will become assistant superintendent for administrative services as of July 1, the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education announced at its meeting Tuesday.

The position was previously held by Curtis Jones, who, after becoming the school system’s superintendent, decided not to fill the vacancy at that time as a cost-saving measure.

Smith will still be overseeing the system’s finance department but not on a day-to-day basis, he said.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity. I’m excited about the things we have going on. I appreciate your confidence,” Smith said to board members at the meeting.

“This position requires a unique blend of experience, and Mr. Smith brings that with him. He has proven that he is an effective leader and has the background that will match the needs of our school system in this area,” Jones said in a press release. “I am looking forward to working with him in his new capacity, and I have confidence that he will be a positive influence on the school system and on our community.”

Smith, a graduate of Griffin High School and certified public accountant, joined the Griffin-Spalding County School System in 1997 as director of finance.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in business administration and accounting. Last year, he received his master’s degree — a requirement for his new position — in education, curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix.