The search for Demopolis’ newest superintendent of education is nearing an end.

On Monday, the board trimmed their list of seven candidates to two finalists.

Dr. Robert Griffin, principal of Goshen (Ala.) High School, and Eddie Tyler, assistant superintendent for supportive services with the Baldwin County (Ala.) School System, will return to Demopolis this Monday for follow-up interviews, which are expected to last approximately 30 minutes each.

“All of the candidates brought a lot to the table, but Dr. Griffin and Mr. Tyler are the two the board thought best fit what was needed here in Demopolis,” interim superintendent Dr. Neil Hyche said.

“In the interview, he came across as very enthusiastic, very energetic,” board chair Gary Holemon said of Griffin. “He had an immaculate educational background…and he attended the Superintendents Academy. I think in his interview, it was obvious that in his area of focus, he’s an outstanding success.”

“He’s got vast experience and has done a lot of work at many different levels in a school system,” board member Jim Stanford said of Tyler. “He oversees responsibilities at 45 schools and has a lot of budgeting and financial experience.”

Regardless of the candidates’ qualifications, Hyche, Holemon and Stanford agreed that the board is in a position to make a great hire.

“I was excited by the quality of candidates we had,” Holemon said. “All seven of them.”

“It seemed like all of them had a lot to offer,” Stanford added. “It’s just a matter of finding the right fit for Demopolis.”

The board has a scheduled meeting Monday at 4 p.m., and interviews are expected to immediately follow, beginning with Tyler at approximately 4:30 p.m. and Griffin at approximately 5:15 p.m.

However, unlike the first round, these interview sessions will be closed to the public.