The Keota school board is a step closer to finding a hire for their newly combined superintendent and high school principal position.

Dennis Phelps is stepping down from the superintendent position, and the position will no longer be shared with the Tri-County school district. The board held a special meeting on May 17th, which included two closed sessions to conduct interviews. Superintendent Dennis Phelps says there are three candidates who were interviewed for the position, by four committees comprised of staff, community members, administration, and the school board. Phelps says he expects a recommendation of hire to be made and an offer given this coming week. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 23rd at 5 p.m. in the Elementary Media Center.