INDEPENDENCE - The Independence School District's finance director has resigned to take a position in the private sector.

Christopher Kimball began as the director and school board secretary in October 2005 after spending a decade in the corporate finance sector. Kimball's resignation was accepted Monday night. He'll stay on with the district until the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Kimball said he enjoyed his time at the district and working with the administrators. The district, like many across the state, has had to deal with tough budget years, which makes a position like Kimball's important.

"I think it's a critical position obviously," he said. "The finances of the district are an integral part of the overall operation, that goes without saying."

He spent most of his professional career working in the mortgage industry for companies like VGM Financial Services and GMAC Mortgage.

"I'm sorry that we're losing him because he has done a good job for our district," said board president Dawnye Sturtz.

School district officials are interviewing candidates for the position, Kimball said.