The Fayette County Board of Education is expected to approve a three-year contract this morning for Dr. John DeCotis, who has been selected as the county's new superintendent of schools. According to Debbie Condon, school board chairman, a separate contract will be drafted for Dr. Dave Brotherton, retiring superintendent, who will finish out the school year as a consultant to DeCotis.

The board spent Tuesday reviewing the proposed contracts faxed to them by school board attorney Phil Hartley.

DeCotis emerged as the leading candidate among the 24 applicants vying for the top slot. He was also the only candidate interviewed; a move which resulted in criticism by board members Connie Hale and Woody Shelnutt.

The choice of interviewing only DeCotis, who has been employed in the county school system since 1979, and most recently was assistant superintendent of instruction, was made on the recommendation on the board's attorney and search firm consultant, according to Condon They suggested interviewing the leading in-house candidate first. Condon said at the time that no other candidate had it all.

In other business, the board is expected to open and review bids for the construction of the Starr's Mill High School stadium today. Provided work begins immediately, school officials are cautiously optimistic that the facility will be ready for the fall football season.