The hiring of James Brumley as Colbert County school system’s new chief schools financial officer means the Colbert County Commission will be in need of a general fund accountant come mid-March.

Brumley will replace Sandra James, a 38-year employee of the school system who has served the past 20 years as chief schools financial officer. Her last day with the system is Thursday.

Brumley, 37, will begin at the board of education on March 11. The board approved a 90-day salary of $73,500 through June 30. On July 1, Brumley will begin a one-year contract for $76,500, to go through June 30, 2014.

“This will give the board time to see how he works out, if he’s the right fit for the board and if it works well for him,” said Colbert Superintendent Anthony Olivis. “During that year, the board will evaluate his performance and (after nine months) will have the option of re-negotiating a permanent contract on the system’s salary matrix or one drawn up independently.”

James’s services will be retained on an as-needed basis for one year at a rate of $50 per hour.

Board president, Linda Evans, praised Sandra James.

“We knew how difficult it would be to replace her,” Evans said. “You can’t buy the experience that she has. She’s been instrumental to the success of this system but we believe we have a very capable and certainly qualified individual in James Brumley. We’re excited about our future with him.”

Brumley has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama in management and accounting. His salary with the Colbert Commission is $65,000.

“I felt like this was a great opportunity for me professionally and personally for my family,” he said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my years here at Colbert County and I thank them for the chance to grow professionally and personally.”

Brumley’s last day with the commission is March 8.

Colbert County Administrator Kathy Polk said she doesn’t have a time line yet for replacing Brumley, but in compliance with new laws, the position will be advertised in-house before going outside with the search. She said she will get that advertisement out this week.

The County Commission meets March 5, but Polk said she doesn’t know if the issue will be addressed at that time.

Evans said Brumley’s experience in dealing with state and federal funding was a plus in his selection. There were originally 19 candidates, but the pool was narrowed to four to be interviewed. One candidate dropped out and three were interviewed.

“Understanding state finances is tough,” Evans said. “We’ll have the expertise of Sandra James available when needed so I believe the transition will be smooth.

Brumley has worked for the County Commission for nearly 12 years.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.

Staff writer Russ Corey contributed to this report.