Note: This story has been corrected to show the email announcement was written Wednesday but sent to staff today.

The Washington Local School board has decided on four final candidates in its search for the district’s next superintendent.

School board President David Hunter announced to staff via an email today that the board had selected Kadee Anstadt, executive director of teaching and learning of Perrysburg Schools; Susan Hayward, assistant superintendent of Beavercreek City Schools; James Herrholtz, deputy superintendent of the Mahoning County Education Service Center; and Kenneth Ratliff, superintendent of Mohawk Local Schools.

The four were part of a group of nine applicants interviewed this week, and the finalists will return May 23 and 24 for second interviews. Not selected as a finalist was Lonny Rivera, a Clay High School graduate who had been serving as the interim Ohio Department of Education state superintendent.

Board members will visit the home districts of each finalist, Mr. Hunter said in the email, and the Ohio School Board Association will be conducting background checks and reference calls. On May 25, there will be a "meet and greet” with finalists at Whitmer High School.

“We look forward to the process, and believe we have four very energetic, kid-centered, and top-quality individuals,” he told staff.

The board began its search in January when Interim Superintendent Cherie Mourlam, previously assistant superintendent who took the interim role Dec. 16, announced she would retire July 31. She subsequently agreed to stay on as “deputy superintendent for transition” from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31. The search comes after former Superintendent Patrick Hickey accepted a separation agreement following investigations into his conduct.

First Published May 12, 2016, 1:39 p.m.