AMERICUS — The Sumter County School Board of Education has narrowed the field in its search for a new school superintendent to three candidates. The Board conducted second interviews with each of the candidates Saturday morning and into the early afternoon. In a brief meeting held after the final interview a motion was unanimously passed to recognize the three candidates as finalist in the search.

The three candidates for Sumter County School Superintendent are:

• Steve Ballowe is principal of Glynn Academy in Brunswick and former school superintendent for Gainesville City Schools. “I am familiar with Sumter County and have long been an admirer,” said Ballowe. In working with the Georgia School Board Association Ballowe has collaborated with current Sumter County Superintendent Dennis McMahon. “I feel good about the direction and progress of Sumter County Schools,” said Ballowe.

• Valya Lee is currently Assistant Superintendent for Student Services in the Clayton County School System. Lee commented on her selection as a finalist in the search, saying “I’m excited about the possibility of becoming superintendent in Sumter County. It is an honor to be a candidate.”

• Roy Brooks is a native of Florida and has spent time in the Orlando school system. He is former superintendent for the Little Rock school system in Little Rock, Ark. Brooks is currently CEO of eStem Public Charter Schools, a non-profit charter school management organization. Of his selection Brooks said he is “excited about the opportunity.”

“Having a high quality school system is important to economic development and I think Sumter County is ready to move to the next level,” Brooks said.

Of the three candidates, Michael Busman, Sumter County School Board chairman, said that “these are strong candidates and now we want to provide the public with a chance to give their input.” The Board announced a called meeting for 5:30 p.m. Monday to announce the dates, locations and times for public forums where the community will have an opportunity to give their opinion on the candidates.

“We have had a transparent and honest search for a new superintendent and we don’t have the issues facing Dougherty County right now,” Busman said.