A familiar face in the local school system is moving up on the career ladder.

Brandy Burleson, currently the bookkeeper for Greenville High School, has been named the new chief financial officer for the Butler County School System, replacing Sherry Bennett, who is retiring at the end of the year.

“I’m really excited about being chosen for this position. I prayed about this a lot and I do feel this is where I am supposed to be,” Burleson said.

Helming the finances is going to be quite a task with the system’s current economic woes, but Burleson says she is ready to take it on.

“Proration is going to definitely be the biggest challenge to face, but I am looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the team to help this school system best handle the situation.”

While she continues her job at Greenville High School, Burleson has been working two days each week with Bennett in the Central Office learning the ropes of her new position.

“Sherry has been a big help to me, and I feel I will be well prepared to take over when she leaves,” Burleson said.

Burleson, who has been working at GHS for the past five-and-a-half years, has an associate’s degree from LBWCC and received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Troy University.

“Ms. Burleson is someone who has worked her way through the school system and worked diligently to pursue her bachelor’s degree to better prepare herself,” said interim principal Joseph Dean.

“I had the opportunity to work with her at the high school during my time as an assistant principal there and I know what type of worker she is, her thoroughness and strong work ethic. I think I speak on behalf of the entire board that we feel she will do an excellent job for us.”