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The Troy City Schools Board of Education will interview four candidates for superintendent during a series of public meetings July 6 and 7.

The interviews were announced Monday by board president Jonathan Cellon.

The board will interview Dr. Charla Brenta-Spurlin DeLeo and Mrs. Cynthia Thomas on July 6 and Dr. David (Allen) Johnson, and Dr. Zickeyous Byrd on July 7. Interviews will begin at 5:30 p.m. each day and last approximately one hour.  There will be a 30-minute reception for each candidate before their interview.

The interviews and receptions are open to the public and will take place at the Troy City Schools Central Office, 358 Elba Highway. Because of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, only 12 attendees will be allowed to attend the meetings, which also will be available via livestream and YouTube broadcast.

The district is interviewing candidates to replace Dr. Lee Hicks, who served as superintendent from 2011 until February, when the board approved a separation agreement with a one-year payout.

Cynthia Thomas has been serving as interim superintendent.

Candidates being interviewed and the schedule are as follows:

r. Charla Brenta-Spurlin DeLeo is the Director of Special Education, Curriculum, Gifted, 504, Counseling and Guidance, Library/Media, Nursing and Health Services, AL Reading Initiative, AL Math Science and Technology Initiative, College and Career Readiness Standards, Response to Instruction, and Textbooks for Clay County Schools in Ashland, AL. She has served in this role since 2013. Dr. DeLeo earned her Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration from Walden University in 2017 and has 18 years of professional experience in English Language Arts, Special Education, School Counseling, and system administration. She will interview on Monday, July 6, at 5:30 p.m., with a reception beginning at 5 p.m.

Mrs. Cynthia Thomas is the Interim Superintendent and Curriculum and Federal Programs Director for Troy City Schools. Mrs. Thomas has served as Interim Superintendent since February 2020. She has 24r years of professional experience in special education, school administration, and system administration, including ten years of experience as the Assistant Principal of Troy Elementary School and six years as Curriculum and Federal Programs Director for Troy City Schools.  Mrs. Thomas holds two master’s degrees in education (Special Education, 2000 and Educational Administration, 2003) from Troy University.  She will interview on Monday, July 6 at 7:15 p.m., with a reception beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Dr. Allen Johnson is the Director of Student Services for Boaz City Schools in Boaz, AL. Dr. Johnson has 22  years of professional experience in music education, school administration, and system administration. He has served as the Director of Student Services since 2015, after serving as a principal within the district for six years. Dr. Johnson earned his Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Samford University in 2018. He will interview on Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. with a reception beginning at 5 p.m.

Dr. Zickeyous Byrd is the current Superintendent of the Conecuh County Board of Education in Atmore, AL. He has served in this role for five years. Dr. Byrd has 21 years of professional experience in elementary instruction, school administration, and system leadership. This includes eight years of experience as a principal in Escambia Co. and seven years of experience in instructional leadership with the AL State Department of Education.  Dr. Byrd earned his Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Administration