MADISON COUNTY – The Madison County school board is getting closer to naming a new superintendent. Interviews begin next week for the candidates who were named finalists for the position.

The school board is seeking a new superintendent after Matt Massey was named the first president of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville. They have 180 days from July 15 to appoint someone to that position.

In the meantime, deputy superintendent Mark Minskey has temporarily been leading the school district until a replacement for Massey is found. He did not apply for the permanent position, saying he’s happy in his role as deputy superintendent.

More than 40 people applied to become the next superintendent. The Alabama Association of School Boards, which has extensive experience in conducting these types of searches for school districts across the state, provided the school board with a list of five top candidates.

The final candidates are:

• Anthony Buckner – Curriculum supervisor for Jackson County Schools
• Greg DeJarnett – Education administrator/supervisor for Alabama State Department of Education
• Tim Guinn – Assistant superintendent for The Russellville Board of Education
• Allen Perkins – Director of equity and innovation for Madison County Schools
• Edward Lee Willis – Deputy superintendent for Morgan County Schools

School officials say the goal is to have a candidate selected and in position by early October.

The school board plans to interview each candidate publicly according to the following schedule:

Monday, Sept. 23: Allen Perkins – 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24:  Dr. Gregory DeJarnett – 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 25:  Dr. Tim Guinn – 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 30: AJ Buckner – 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1: Lee Willis – 5:00-6:30 p.m.