The decision of long-time Gulf County educator Tim Wilder to take the superintendent's job in Dothan, Alabama, left a vacancy in the Panhandle school system's leadership. 

Gov. Rick Scott today appointed a banker to lead the district.

James P. Norton of Port St. Joe, senior vice president of Vision Bank, will hold the position until the next election in November 2012. He has a law degree from Faulkner University and a master's in education from Troy State University.

"As a third-generation Gulf County resident who attended Gulf County schools from elementary through high school, Jim possesses strong connections to his community and the public schools of his home county," Scott said in a news release.  "In addition, his valuable administrative experience in private business has provided him the leadership skills necessary to effectively operate Gulf County’s public schools."

Some districts have looked for superintendents with experience outside education. They've had varying degrees of success. What do you think about this move?