The Italy School Board of Trustees named a Lone Finalist for superintendent Thursday evening following three days of board interviews. However, the applicant’s school board refused to release him from the remainder of his five-year contract.

Larry Eubank, school board member, said Rick Cohagan and Charles Williams, interim superintendent, brought the board six well-qualified candidates for the board to interview.

The board interviewed possible candidates in executive session Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. After reconvening into open session at 10:35 p.m. Thursday, the board unanimously approved the applicant.

Friday morning, however, the applicant was informed his current board would not release him from his current contract.

Cheryl Owen, school board president, said they are disappointed but said there were several strong candidates that are equally qualified to fill the superintendent’s position.

The board will meet again in a called session Monday, March 28, at 7 p.m.