John Barge, Georgia’s outgoing state superintendent of schools, is a finalist for the top superintendent job in Utah.

According to a press release, Barge is one of four in the running for the "state superintendent of public instruction," who is selected by the state board of education. Barge was one of the candidates located after a nationwide search.

In Georgia, the state superintendent is elected. Barge, a Georgia native, opted not to run for a second term, instead choosing to challenge Gov. Nathan Deal in the Republican primary for governor.

Interviews for the job will take place on Thursday in Salt Lake City. A new superintendent is expected to be named this month.

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