&uot;If you can find the epitome of an educator you’ve got Dr. (Norris) Edney,&uot; Ward 4 Alderman Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West said. The other aldermen must agree; they unanimously appointed Edney the newest member of the Natchez-Adams School Board Tuesday. Edney’s appointment fills a three-month void on the board which represents the city and county’s schools.

West, who originally nominated Edney, said he has known him for many years, since Edney was a referee at West’s junior high basketball games. &uot;He called a foul on me, so I didn’t like him too much then,&uot; West recalled, laughing.

West has since changed his mind about the life-long educator whose credentials include teaching stints at Natchez Junior College, Alcorn State University and Michigan State University.

Edney said he was pleased and surprised by the opportunity to serve the school district.

&uot;Hopefully I’ll be able to make a positive contribution,&uot; he said.

A Natchez native, Edney has earned doctoral degrees in administration and conservation, as well as two masters in biology and a B.S. in botany. He is a 1953 graduate of Natchez Junior College High School and a ’55 graduate of Natchez Junior College.

He retired in June as the dean of the school of arts and sciences and the school of graduate studies at Alcorn State University.

Other local officials are equally pleased with the selection of Edney as a school board member.

&uot;He commented (during an interview) that he wanted to see this school system be number one in the country,&uot; Ward 2 Alderman James &uot;Ricky&uot; Gray said. &uot;That kind of sold me on him. Not just number one in Mississippi, but number one in the country.&uot;

Ward 5 Alderman David Massey said Edney seemed &uot;genuinely concerned&uot; about the future of Adams County school children and had several good ideas about how to accomplish his goals.

&uot;He really fit the bill for us,&uot; Massey said.

All the aldermen agreed the decision to appoint Edney was a unanimous one behind the scenes as well.

&uot;There was a consensus among the aldermen that he was the best man for the job,&uot; Ward 3 Alderwoman Sue Stedman said, adding that Edney exhibited a strong &uot;interest and caring attitude toward the children.&uot;

&uot;I’m really satisfied with the way (the selection process) came together,&uot; Ward 6 Alderman Jake Middleton said.

&uot;It’s amazing that when you’re talking about what’s best for the children, a lot of other things don’t come into play,&uot; West said.

&uot;(The children’s welfare) superceded race; it superceded prejudice; it superceded a lot of things,&uot; he said.

Adams County District 4 Supervisor Darryl Grennell, who is also a biology professor at Alcorn State University in Lorman, said he has known Edney his entire life and worked under him at Alcorn.

&uot;I think (Edney) will be excellent in terms of being a policymaker for the Natchez-Adams School District,&uot; Grennell said.

&uot;He makes good, competent decisions. He has a proven record of being a very good administrator,&uot; he said.

School board President Kenneth Taylor said he does not know Edney personally but does know of his reputation as an educator. &uot;He’s no stranger to education,&uot; Taylor said. &uot;He brings a wealth of knowledge (to the board).&uot;

Taylor said he was also glad the aldermen took the time to interview the candidates for the position.

The aldermen interviewed four candidates this last week and Monday — Edney, James A. Coleman, Henry R. Gaud\u00E9 and Dale Steckler — before making their decision Tuesday.

Edney’s appointment returns the school board to its maximum size of five members. Edney will serve alongside Taylor, Terry Estes, Camille Jackson and Don Marion.

Taylor said having a full board prevents ties and allows for more thorough debates on issues.

&uot;You really need that many opinions on some things,&uot; he said. &uot;It allows you to build a better consensus.&uot;

Estes also said he thinks the school board needs five members. &uot;You can’t function as you should with just four people,&uot; he said. And with Edney’s experience in education, &uot;he’s going to bring a lot to the table.&uot;

The board and the district are developing a plan for the district’s future and Edney can now be a part of that, Estes said.