Hall County Schools superintendent Will Schofield has been named a finalist for 2012 Superintendent of the Year.

The Georgia School Superintendents Association's committee announced the four finalists on Wednesday, chosen from a field of 22 nominees.

Other finalists include Buster Evans of Forsyth County Schools, Chris Erwin of Banks County and Emily Lembeck of Marietta. The winner will be named in December.

"I'm honored. It truly is only a reflection of the quality of our people and our students and this community," Schofield said. "Much like teacher of the year, being nominated for superintendent of the year doesn't mean you're the best superintendent out there. It means you have opportunity to speak on behalf of your 179 colleagues you work with every day. It's a humbling experience."

Nath Morris, Hall County Schools board chairman, praised the selection.

"He is respected by the community, the dedicated Hall County Schools' faculty and staff and his peers. He has led our system to many successes while empowering and giving credit to the teachers and school leaders. Mr. Schofield realizes the role the school system plays in helping families educate their children." he said.

"He also realizes the importance of changing the educational system to meet the needs of all our students so they can be successful in the 21st century. Even during these times of decrease funding for education, he has implemented charter schools, choice programs and increased instructional technology while keeping the focus on the individual learner."

Schofield found out earlier this week that he was nominated.

"It's a fairly lengthy application process that you have to fill out that involves system achievements, organizational memberships and leadership roles you've played in state, local and national issues," he said.

He had previously taught in Oglethorpe County, served as a principal and later superintendent in Social Circle and served as principal at West Hall High School.

The four finalists must next complete a document prepared by the American Association of School Administrators and submit it for a second round of judging, said Hebert Garrett, executive director of the state superintendent association.

"The winner, who will represent Georgia in the national competition, will be named during the Dec. 2 awards luncheon that is part of the annual Georgia School Boards Association/ Georgia School Superintendents Association's Winter Conference," Garrett said.