The field of candidates for superintendent of the new Gardendale City Schools system has been reduced to four.

Dr. Randy Wilkes, who was superintendent of Crenshaw County Schools, withdrew his name after he was selected to fill a similar job with Phenix City schools.

Wilkes was one of five candidates, chosen as finalists by a search team for the Alabama Association of School Boards. The association announced Wilkes’ withdrawal in a press statement Wednesday afternoon.

Interviews for the remaining four candidates will be held starting Thursday night. The schedule for those interviews:

• Thursday night: Dr. Michael Daria, currently an assistant superintendent with Tuscaloosa City Schools

• Friday night: Tim Martin, superintendent of Dothan City Schools

• Saturday morning: Dr. Patrick Martin, superintendent of Washington District 50 Schools near Peoria, Illinois

• Tuesday night: Dr. Chuck Ledbetter, superintendent of Dublin (Ga.) City Schools

All interviews will be held at the Gardendale Civic Center and are open to the public. Nighttime interviews begin at 6:15 p.m.; Saturday’s interview starts at 9:15 a.m. All interviews will be followed by a reception.