The search for the new superintendent of Social Circle City Schools has been narrowed to three.

Social Circle's Board of Education spoke with eight candidates earlier this week to fill the position of current Superintendent Bettye Ray, who will retire at the end of the school year.

The board chose the top three finalists from around the state: Dr. Melinda Ellis, deputy superintendent for Butts County Schools; Dr. Mikki Garcia, Savannah Chatham Executive Director of Middle K8 Schools and Exceptional Children; and Dr. Todd McGhee, principal of Elbert County High School.

Board Chairman Tim Lemonds said Tuesday that the three finalists were chosen from eight candidates that stood out in the initial review. He said the board hopes to hire a new superintendent at a May 24 called meeting.