ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP — And now there are two.

The Rock Hill Board of Education has narrowed its list of superintendent candidates to two and plans to announce its final decision on the position at its July 21 regular meeting.

Monday evening, the two finalists, Brenda Haas and Wes Hairston, met with the board for second face-to-face interviews during a specially-called board meeting at the high school.

Board President Dennie Hankins said a third finalist, Dr. Dave Lucas, withdrew his name from consideration in an e-mail Monday before the board meeting. Hankins did not say why Lucas chose to withdraw.

While others who submitted resumes may have had more experience as a superintendent, Hankins said Haas and Hairston have other qualities that make them a better fit for the district. He described both Hairston and Haas as visionaries who mirror many of the other expectations the board has for its next superintendent.

“These two individuals have worked within Lawrence County and have excelled wherever they have been positioned,” Hankins said. “They have an enduring love for this county and education in general.

The board chose not to give sitting superintendent Lloyd Evans a new contract. His last day on the job is July 31.