The Columbia County school board filled a vacant assistant superintendent's post from within the system Tuesday, which will create an opening for a principal of Riverside Elementary School.

The board voted unanimously to hire Robbie Jarrell as its new assistant superintendent for student support, replacing Sandra Carraway. Dr. Carraway recently accepted a promotion to be the system's first deputy superintendent.

Mr. Jarrell, who has nearly 20 years of service with the school system, is in his second year as principal at Riverside Elementary after serving as assistant principal of Greenbrier Middle.

"I am looking forward to being part of the new, future administration and for what the future holds," he said.

Mr. Jarrell will join the new administration to be led by incoming Superintendent Charles Nagle and Dr. Carraway. Mr. Nagle, the current associate superintendent for student support, will replace Superintendent Tommy Price on July 1.

In congratulating Mr. Jarrell, school board member Mike Sleeper said his son, a Riverside Elementary pupil, would not be happy that the popular principal was leaving the school.

Mr. Jarrell was also the longtime band director at Lakeside High. He was selected over two other internal candidates, Mr. Price said.