Rising through the ranks of the Hall County school system — first as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal and administrator — Kevin Bales is embracing the new challenge offered him by school officials this week.

The 45-year-old Bales said Thursday that officially getting school board approval for his appointment as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning has been a “humbling experience” because of the gratitude he feels for those who have mentored and opened doors for him throughout his 22-year career in Hall County.

“I’ve worked with great leaders and I’ve tried to make the most of those opportunities,” Bales said. “Not everybody is afforded these opportunities. It’s been a humbling experience.”

Superintendent Will Schofield recommended Bales to take over for Eloise Barron, who announced her retirement effective at the end of the current semester. The school board unanimously approved Schofield’s pick during its meeting Monday.

Bales started his career as a teacher at West Hall Middle School in 1994. In 2001, he became assistant principal at West Hall Middle, and in 2006 he was named principal at East Hall Middle School.

After six years as principal at East Hall Middle, Bales stepped into the district-level position of executive director for school improvement. He’s held that job since 2012.

Schofield called Bales a “natural  choice” to replace Barron.