Board member Tyler Smith is the new vice chair of the South Portland School Board.

Board members voted unanimously to have him fill the vacancy.

South Portland Vice Chair Adrian Dowling stepped down from the position last week, days after recall papers were taken out against him and board Chair Rosemarie De Angelis and a week after the board voted to close James O. Kaler Elementary School and reconfigure the remaining four elementary schools. The board may vote later this month to delay the reconfiguration.

Smith joined the board in January to represent District 2. A parent and former educator, he said he was motivated to run for school board because he wants to support a clear vision for the district’s future. 

He’s worked as a classroom teacher, support staff for English learners and for an education advocacy group that gives grants and budgetary management support to schools in Boston. Smith also has a master’s in education policy and management from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“I think member Smith will make a very good vice chair,” De Angelis said. “He’s very thoughtful, inquisitive, interested and committed.”