The Butler County School System has a new interim superintendent. Joseph Dean, principal of Butler County Magnet School, was approved as interim superintendent of the school system during the special called meeting of the board Thursday night. His administrative assistant, Jennifer Burt, was approved as interim principal of BCMS.

Both Dean and Burt will begin their interim employment effective December 1.

As expected, Superintendent Mike Looney formally presented his letter of resignation to the board, saying it had been “a privilege to serve . . . the experience in Butler County has enriched my life personally and professionally.”

The board unanimously accepted the resignation, after which board president Joe Lisenby sought and received approval to begin posting the superintendent’s position in “appropriate publications.”

With Looney set to leave November 30, he said he and Dean would be working together closely to make the transition a smoother one.

Dean, who said he had been hopeful of being chosen for the interim position, said he is “thrilled” to be the leader for the school district and to have the opportunity to learn from Mr. Looney.

“There are issues – economic issues, personnel issues – that we will be sitting down to discuss,” said Dean.

When asked if he would be a candidate for the superintendent’s position, Dean said he needed to first “get over the thrill” of being chosen interim.

“I’d like to think about that at a later date,” he added.

Looney said he thought Dean would bring “a lot of energy and enthusiasm” to the interim superintendent position.

Board member Billy Jones abstained from the votes on Dean and Burt because his wife is employed at the magnet school.