Members from the Natrona County School District superintendent search committee are planning to visit each of the three finalists in their respective districts.

Natrona County school board chairwoman Shannon Jackett said the visits are an effort to give committee members a chance to see how the finalists perform in their own environments.

"It's pretty cut and dried," Jackett said.

The final candidates were announced on Feb. 8. Denise Birdwell is an assistant superintendent for Higley Unified School District in Gilbert, Ariz. Joel Dvorak serves as associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Natrona County School District. Larry Parsons is the superintendent of the Selah School District in Selah, Wash.

Birdwell holds a master's degree from Northern Arizona University and a doctorate from Arizona State University. Dvorak earned masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Wyoming. Parsons has a master's from Eastern Oregon University and a Ph.D. from Gonzaga University.

The announcement of the finalists came after the committee had worked with search firm Ray and Associates, Inc. since May 2007 to select candidates.

On Feb. 13, a public forum was held so the finalists could answer questions about their leadership styles and education philosophies. Finalists also toured several Natrona County schools.

The finalists have a combined 89 years of experience as teachers, coaches and administrators. Current superintendent Jim Lowham is set to retire at the end of June. Lowham has worked in the district as a teacher and administrator for about 30 years.

The district has indicated it will name Lowham's successor in early March.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.