By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

ALEXANDRIA - The search for a new superintendent for the Campbell County School District is down to four candidates, with a final decision possible in the next few weeks.

The finalists include Linda Alford, assistant superintendent for student services for Campbell County schools; R.J. Greene, superintendent of Southern Hancock Schools in New Palestine, Ind.; Diana Heidelberg, interim superintendent of Campbell County schools; and Anthony Strong, principal at Campbell County High School.

A fifth candidate, Robert Malito, superintendent of Township High School District 211 in Palatine, Ill., withdrew from consideration last week after he accepted a superintendent job in Missouri.

The finalists were chosen earlier this month from a pool of 40 applicants. A search committee that included two teachers, a parent, a board member and the district's food services director chose them with the guidance of the Kentucky School Board Association.

The school board will conduct the final interviews today, April 13 and April 14 and make a decision.

"I look at their personality, experience and how they treat people," said Chuck Eifert, board chairman and 14-year member of the school board. "Choosing the right person is really a tough thing to do."

This will be the fourth superintendent during Eifert's tenure. Roger Brady retired September 1, 2003, a month into the school year. Heidelberg has held the job on an interim basis since then.

Eifert said the decision could come within days after the final interviews in mid-April, but the board has until July 1 before the contract for the new superintendent takes effect. He said if they don't choose any of the four candidates, the other 35 applicants could be reconsidered.

"We could always bring more into the game," Eifert said.

Eifert said the starting salary will be negotiated, but would be under $100,000. He said Brady made $107,000 in his fifth and final year.

About the finalists

Linda Alford, age 56

1998-present: Campbell County schools assistant superintendent for student services

1995-1998: Campbell County schools assistant superintendent for personnel

1990-1995: Campbell County schools director for special programs

1986-1990: Campbell County schools director of special education

1981-1986: Campbell County schools special education teacher

1980-1981: Teacher in Williamstown School District

R.J. Greene, age 56

1997-present: Superintendent of Southern Hancock Schools in New Palestine, Ind.

1990-1997: Superintendent of Wabash City Schools in Wabash, Ind.

1984-1990: Assistant superintendent at Columbia City Schools in Columbia City, Ind.

1980-1984: Assistant principal at Columbia City Joint High School

Has also been a choral director and music teacher

Diana Heidelberg, age 52

2003-present: Campbell County schools interim superintendent

2002-2003: Campbell County schools associate superintendent

1998-2002: Campbell County schools executive director of curriculum instruction

1999-2001: Adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University

1997-present: Campbell County schools assessment coordinator

1997-1998 Campbell County schools director of instruction

1993-1997: Director of assessment and curriculum for Silver Grove

1992-1997: Special education director for Silver Grove schools

1990-1997: Principal at Silver Grove Elementary School

Was also a preschool coordinator and teacher in Silver Grove

Anthony Strong, age 39

2001-present: Principal at Campbell County High School

2000-2001: Principal at Dixie Heights High School

1990-2000: Teacher at Pendleton County High School