The list of 51 applicants has been narrowed down to three in the search for a new superintendent for the Newton County School System.

"We reviewed all of the applications that met the qualifications set out by the board through GSBA (Georgia School Board Association) and were very impressed by the caliber of applicants," said BOE Chair Cathy Dobbs. "We interviewed six of those candidates over a two-day period and have now narrowed it down to our final three. The board members will now work together to determine who would be the best person to lead our school system. Our next step will then be to negotiate a contract with that person. Our hope is to have this done as soon as possible."

Steven Excell Ballowe, Ph.D

Ballowe is currently the principal at Glynn Academy in Glenn County, Ga. He has served as superintendent for Gainesville City Schools, deputy superintendent for Beaufort County Schools in South Carolina, executive director of Governors School in Virginia and superintendent of Hopewell Schools in Virginia. He has also served as principal and assistant principal in two South Carolina school districts, beginning his career as a teacher in Virginia.

Timothy Gerard Lull, Ed.D

Lull has served as superintendent in Walton County, superintendent of Opp County Schools in Alabama, and has served as principal and assistant principal in Alabama schools for several years. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Alabama. He has been an adjunct professor for Troy State University and an instructor at the Alabama Renaissance Technology Academy for School Leaders at the Alabama State Department of Education.

Gary Steven Mathews, Ph.D

Mathews is currently employed as the superintendent of the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools in Virginia. Previously he was superintendent of Carroll Independent School District in Texas, Rockwood School District in Missouri, East Baton Rouge School District in Louisiana and St. Johns County School District in Florida. He has also served as an assistant superintendent for instructional services in Texas and the assistant superintendent for curriculum in Mississippi. Additionally he has experience as a principal.

The superintendent will be chosen at a future meeting of the Newton County Board of Education