At a special-called meeting in May, the Chesterfield County Board of Education designated three finalists in its superintendent search: Dr. Christopher Ballinger, Dr. Jerry Oates and Dr. John Thorpe.

An unidentified board member moved that the board "designate the following people as the finalists in our superintendent search," naming the three candidates. The motion received a second and was approved by voice vote; the meeting record indicates those present voiced approval but does not provide a roll-call tally.

Dr. Christopher Ballinger was identified in the motion as currently serving as superintendent for Warren County Public Schools in Virginia. Dr. Jerry Oates was identified as the chief human resources officer for Sumter School District. Dr. John Thorpe was identified as principal of York Comprehensive High School. The board said a press release and the finalists' resumes would be made available on the district website after the meeting.

The agenda was approved by consent at the start of the special call; after the motion to name the finalists and a brief acknowledgement that communications would post materials (a board member mentioned "Ken Buck is doing all the ... social media"), the board moved to adjourn. The record does not specify any interview schedule, timeline for selection, or additional steps beyond posting the press release and resumes.