Clovis school board picks superintendent finalists

The Clovis Municipal Schools Board of Education on Wednesday night selected three finalists for its superintendent position, including one familiar face.

Renee Russ, deputy director of federal programs for CMS, was named a finalist, along with:

• Rebecca Benedict, principal at Kirtland Central High School,

• Gerry Washburn, former superintendent of Roseburg Public Schools in Oregon.

The vote was 4-1. Board Member Shawn Hamilton said he voted no because he wanted to interview two or three additional candidates before selecting finalists.

Board members said Wednesday they will conduct interviews with the three finalists during closed meetings on Saturday and announce a new superintendent during a special meeting on April 23.

CMS Superintendent Jody Balch announced earlier this year he'll be retiring this summer.