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The Berkeley Unified School District named Glenston Thompson as its new Deputy Superintendent Tuesday. 

Thompson, who has 13 years of experience in public school finance—most recently as the assistant superintendent of business services in Coalinga, Calif.—will become the district’s top business official and second-in-command to Superintendent Michele Lawrence. 

He inherits a district that has made strides in upgrading its data processing and budgeting systems and is now preparing a two-year strategic planning process to reassess district priorities and finances. 

In a prepared statement, Thompson, the former chief executive director of administrative support services for the San Francisco Unified School District, said he was excited to return to the Bay Area and assume the Berkeley job. 

“At this juncture, Berkeley Unified School District presents real opportunities and challenges,” he said.  

Thompson replaces Eric Smith, who was widely credited with helping guide the district through the district’s recent fiscal crisis. Smith left the post after a year, citing personal reasons. 

Thompson’s boss in Coalinga, Superintendent Pat Lewis, was pleased for Thompson, but sorry to see him go. “He has been a valued asset to our organization,” she said. “Berkeley is fortunate to have him on their team.” 

—Matthew Artz