The Haralson County Board of Education on Tuesday released the names of the three final candidates for superintendent, starting the 14-day period after which the school board can announce its final choice.

The school board has been accepting applications to fill the position left open by former Haralson County Schools Superintendent Larry Ragsdale. Currently, Macy Defnall, the school system’s director of personnel and student services, is serving as interim superintendent.

According to Linda Crossley, the superintendent office’s secretary, the school board worked very hard to narrow the candidates down to three after receiving numerous applications all from qualified individuals.

The first candidate for superintendent is Christie Johnson, who currently serves as an assistant superintendent with the Carroll County Board of Education. Her application lists the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club, the Carrollton Lit-Mu Society, the League of Women Voters and Southern Hills Christian Church as her community activities.

“Among my earliest memories are the lessons I learned from my parents regarding a strong work ethic and the responsibility that follows in serving the students and parents to whom I have committed,” Johnson wrote in the personal attributes section of her application. “Regardless of the position I hold as an educational professional, I consider my primary responsibility to lie in making decisions that are in the best interest of the students I serve.”

Johnson also describes her educational philosophy: “A successful school system is a living, dynamic learning community in which all stakeholders show a common vision that supports students as a first priority. Successful systems offer all students a safe, caring learning environment supported with a rigorous, relevant, well-aligned curriculum.”

The next candidate is Valdosta High School Principal Allen Stanton. According to his application, Stanton’s community activities include serving on the respective boards of directors of the Red Cross, United Way and Valdosta High School Touchdown Club. Stanton also notes his membership in the Valdosta Rotary Club.

Stanton’s application does not include a written paragraph describing his personal attributes; instead, he provides a list that includes the following qualities: high motivated, practical administrative experience, organization, time management, strong people skills, ability to develop community partnerships, professionalism, enthusiasm, strong character, student-focused, student achievement, communication, innovative programs, school safety, public servant and facilities, planning and construction.

Stanton describes his educational philosophy as follows: “Throughout the educational process, there must be a safe and orderly environment where faculty, staff and students can work toward meeting goals that are linked to high performance and high expectations in terms of academic achievement. This creates a situation where this expectation for schools becomes the norm.”

The third candidate for superintendent is Michael Tucker, a principal employed by Floyd County Schools. Tucker states in his application that he is actively involved in church activities, Leadership Rome and the Rome Chamber of Commerce. Tucker also states that he is the director of the Floyd County Junior League Tennis Association and involved in the Floyd County Adult Tennis Association.

Tucker also lists his personal attributes, including being recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as one of the 25 in Georgia to participate and complete the Superintendents Professional Development Program, serving on the deacon board at his church, serving as choir director and minister of youth at Friendship Baptist Church, serving as Athletic Director for six years, and 12 years of coaching experience.

Tuckers also describes his educational philosophy: “Successful school systems don’t just happen, a successful system results from ‘the best doing their best.’ A well-rounded system exhibits team work, as superintendent my role is to provide leadership which exhibits and fosters a clear vision with clear expectations. My philosophy in all I do is ‘second place is not an option.’”

According to school board guidelines, after narrowing down the list of potential candidates to three individuals, the board must release their names to the public. After the names have been in the public sphere for 14 days, the board can then announce its final decision. The names and applications were released to the Haralson Gateway-Beacon on Tuesday, establishing May 20 as the earliest date on which the new superintendent could be announced. Within the next two weeks, the Haralson County Board of Education is expected to hold called meetings to determine their final choice for superintendent.