Four finalists to be superintendent of the Russellville Independent Schools have been announced by Phil Eason, who is the consultant assisting the school board to find the appropriate successor to the retiring Leon Smith.

The individuals that were recommended by the superintendent screening committee to the Russellville Board of Education for their consideration will be interviewed Friday, says Eason, a consultant with the Kentucky Association of School Administrators.

Two of the four have been employed by the Russellville school system. They are:

John Myers, who is director of pupil transportation and supervisor of facilities and maintenance for the system. He has also been head football coach for 13 years. Previously he was principal and athletic director of Russellville High School.

Janet Hurt, who is an associate professor at Western Kentucky University. She previously served as a consultant to the city school system charged with raising assessment scores. She also has served as director of the Green River Education Consortium, as assistant superintendent of the Logan County Schools, and as principal of Adairville Elementary School.

Also finalists:

Bart Flener, who is assistant superintendent of the Murray Independent School District. He is a former basketball coach at Glasgow.

Mike Stevenson, who is currently principal of Warren Central High School,

“It’s easy to understand why each member’s respective group selected them to serve in this very important capacity,” praised Eason.  “They were very focused, thorough and purposeful in fulfilling their responsibilities, and as a result, the Board has a strong list of finalists to consider.”