Ellington

Jackson Public Schools has narrowed down the field of possible superintendents to two, and the public will get a chance to meet them next week. From 71 applicants, the board selected Dennis L. Carpenter and Cedrick Gray as finalists for the position.

Carpenter is the deputy superintendent for operations for the Newton County School System in Georgia. He has also worked as the district's associate superintendent for human resources.

He has a doctorate of education degree from Georgia Southern University. He and his wife, LaQuanda Carpenter, have an 8-month-old son, Drake.

Gray is the superintendent of Fayette County schools in Tennessee. He has been a principal in two Memphis schools and worked in professional development.

He is also an associate minister at his church. He lives in Oakland, Tenn., with his wife, Karen, and has one child. He received his doctorate from Union University.

On April 11, JPS will hold a public forum with the candidates from 6-8 p.m. at Galloway Elementary School (186 Idlewild St., 601-960-5313).