The deadline to apply to become the next Rutherford County Director of Schools has passed. There were 17 applications turned in by the Wednesday deadline, including some already in the office. Those include assistant superintendents Don Odom and Paula Barnes. Other notables Oakland principal Bill Spurlock and former La Vergne principal and current Stewarts Creek Middle assistant Melvin Daniels. Applicants from out of state locations like Mississippi, Florida and as far away as Colorado have applied. The list will be parred down by the Tennessee School Boards Association by Tuesday. Current Director Harry Gill, Jr. will retire June 30th.