The updated profile was made public through the school board attorney's office and has been issued weekly by the Georgia School Boards Association, which is undertaking the superintendent search.

A week ago, a similar report showed 14 applicants.

The new breakdown of candidates shows that of the 20 people to have applied, nine are from Georgia, two are from South Carolina and one each is from North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan and Kentucky.

Seven of the candidates are current superintendents and two are assistant superintendents. One each lists the following as their occupation: headmaster, adjunct faculty, coordinator, former assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, "C.O. Leadership/Prof. Dev.," executive director of grant development, principal, assistant professor of education leadership, deputy superintendent and president/CEO.

There are 12 candidates with doctorate degrees, four with a Ph.D., two with master's degrees, and two with education specialist degrees.

No candidates' names have been released.

Board members have said interviews could begin as soon as next month, and a replacement won't be named any earlier than July or August.

School board members are planning contract negotiations with Deputy Superintendent James Whitson to fill in on an interim basis.

Superintendent Dana Bedden has accepted a superintendent job in Irving, Texas.

His last work day in Augusta is June 18.