CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Dr. Martin E. Ringstaff of Bristol, Va., was selected today by the Cleveland Board of Education to become the next director of the city schools system.

Neither Ringstaff or the board's other final choice, Dr. Damon Cathey of Kingsport, Tenn., was present.

The board approved a contract to offer to Ringstaff. It includes an initial annual salary of $125,000 and other benefits.

Ringstaff will be invited to attend the April 4 board meeting to sign the contract.

The vote Monday was five for Ringstaff and two for Cathey. But the two members who voted for Cathey, Richard Shaw and Murl Dirksen, said Ringstaff has their complete support.

"I wanted them both," Shaw said.

"We know we picked two excellent candidates, and both will be superintendents somewhere," said board Chairwoman Peggy Pesterfield.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.