CLEVELAND, Tenn. - The Cleveland Board of Education has narrowed its focus to two candidates applying to become the next city schools director.

They are Dr. Damon Cathey and Dr. Martin Ringstaff. Cathey is currently assistant superintendent for Kingsport City Schools. Ringstaff is director of personnel and support services for Bristol, Va. Public Schools.

The City School Board, meeting Monday afternoon, also appointed former board member, attorney Bill Brown, and veteran educator Dr. George Nerren as contract negotiators with the candidates.

Board members will visit both Kingsport and Bristol school districts on March 8. Afterward the board will set parameters for contract negotiations.

The board selected the two from a field of five who were screened by the Tennessee School Boards Association. One of the five dropped out.

"All four of our interviewees were good, very professional candidates, '' said Board Chairman Peggy Pesterfield, "but we have selected two excellent candidates.''