James P. McGrail, who last week resigned from his elected post on the Sandwich School Committee, has been named the school district's new head of buildings and grounds.
He will be taking over for Jonathan Nelson, who has taken a job with Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Mr. McGrail was one of 12 applicants for the position.
"He is a fantastic candidate for us and offered far more than what the other candidates did," Superintendent of Schools Pamela A. Gould said. "There were others who certainly had facilities experience but what Jay gives us is significant experience with facilities management, municipal experience, and, of course, experience with our school district."
While on the school committee, Mr. McGrail was a member of the facilities subcommittee and worked closely with Mr. Nelson on the district's facilities for the past year and a half.
"He knows more than most what we need and what Jon has been working on," Dr. Gould said.
Outside of the school board, Mr. McGrail has been the director of operations at the South Shore Country Club for 11 years, managing the operations of the club's golf course, swimming pool and bowling alley.
Mr. McGrail announced his resignation from the school committee last week, with just seven weeks remaining in his term. Dr. Gould confirmed that his resignation was so that he would be able to take the position with the district.
Dr. Gould said that before offering Mr. McGrail the job, conversations were had with Town Manager George (Bud) Dunham and the town's attorney, and the school committee's attorney.
"We were worried about making sure we weren't violating any ethics rules and bylaws within the town," she said. "They all assure us that he can take the position."
The appointment was announced at the Wednesday night, March 21, meeting of the Sandwich School Committee.