The public will get a chance to meet and ask questions of the two remaining candidates for the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp. superintendent position next week.

Cathlin Gray and Bruce Hibbard are the two remaining applicants out of 16. Seven of those were interviewed.

However, Neal Smith, school board president, was quick to say these are not “finalists” for the position.

“The final two we’re talking to are the two we’re most interested in at this time,” Smith said, adding that they are both poised, experienced and personable. “It’s possible we may bring in some others at some point, but right now, we’re focused on these two and either one of them would be a great catch for New Albany-Floyd County.”

At the public meetings, people will get a chance to meet the candidate and write questions for that person. Refreshments will be served.

CATHLIN GRAY

The first candidate to be introduced to the public will be Gray, who is an associate superintendent for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., which serves 22,274 students.

Gray said she wasn’t actively looking to leave her position, but when the opening presented itself, she saw it as something that would work well for her.

“It’s an opportunity for me for professional and personal growth,” Gray said. “This position just really seemed to fit for me.”

She said she likes how the school board is involving the public in the conservation on who to hire for superintendent, saying that she’s pretty passionate about getting the community and schools working together toward the common goal of doing what’s best for children.

Gray will meet the public at two meetings Monday.

BRUCE HIBBARD

Bruce Hibbard is the second candidate that will be introduced.

Hibbard is the assistant superintendent for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township in Indianapolis, which serves 10,500 students.

Hibbard will meet the public at two meetings Wednesday. He wasn’t able to be reached via phone for comment.



ABOUT CATHLIN GRAY

Cathlin Gray is the associate superintendent for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., which serves 22,274 students and operates 35 schools.

Gray — who obtained a Ph.D. from Indiana State University in 2006 — has experience as a classroom teacher, principal and adjunct professor at the University of Southern Indiana.

From 1985 to 1988, Gray taught first and second grade at Holy Redeemer Catholic School. Gray taught kindergarten at Cedar Hall Elementary School from 1988 to 1994. From 1994 to 2000, she served as principal at Cedar Hall Elementary School, and from 2000 to 2003, Gray served as a supervisor for Title I/ Professional Development in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. She has held her current title, associate superintendent, since 2006.



ABOUT BRUCE HIBBARD

Bruce Hibbard is the assistant superintendent for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, which is located in Indianapolis.

The district has a student enrollment of 10,500 and operates 10 schools.

Hibbard — who obtained a Ph.D. from Indiana State University in 2005 — has experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.  

From 1987 to 1988, Hibbard taught social studies in Indianapolis Public Schools. He taught social studies at Frankfort Middle School from 1988 to 1998. From 1998 to 2000, he served as the assistant principal at Frankfort Senior High School, and from 2000 to 2001, he served as the assistant principal at Noblesville High School. From 2001 to 2006, Hibbard served as principal at Northridge Middle School.

He has held his current title as assistant superintendent since 2006.