The Butler County BOE has narrowed its superintendent search to four candidates.

“We are very glad we’ve reached this point in the process,” said BOE member Joe Lisenby.

“We evaluated all the applications carefully and scored the candidates accordingly. Now we are looking forward to the interview process.”

The four finalists for the position are:

– John R. Phillips, an educator currently based in Charleston, S.C.

– Darren Douthitt of Opelika, assistant superintendent of secondary education for the Lee County School System and former principal of Talladega High School.

– Allin Whittle, currently serving as assistant superintendent for the Butler County School System and former principal of Greenville Elementary School.

– Dr. Kathy Murphy, currently serving as assistant superintendent for the Butler County School System and former principal of Greenville Middle School and Greenville High School.

A series of receptions and interviews have been set up with each of the candidates.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, an informal reception will be held at the Central Office Boardroom at 9 a.m. with Phillips, followed by an interview with the board at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m., a similar reception will be held for Whittle with an interview to follow at 2 p.m.

On Saturday, March 13, receptions and interviews have been scheduled with Douthitt at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and with Murphy at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Lisenby said the public was encouraged to attend these events.

The February BOE work session and board meeting are scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Central Office Boardroom on Oglesby St.