By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Concordia Parish School Board met in a special meeting Thursday to finalize the selection process of the eight candidates vying to be the district’s new superintendent.

The board released the names of the candidates but did not release any of resumes or biographical information.

The candidates are David Gray, Ronald Lofton Sr., Rodney Lloyd, Robert Whestley Shirley, Arlana Davis, Byron Lyons, Spurgeon Banyard and Timothy Scott.

The board voted to interview all eight candidates to expedite the selection process instead of initially narrowing down the list.

“I think it should be the easiest way to do it,” Raymond Riley said. “If there are things that make them unqualifiable, that would come out in the interview. … We don’t want to hold this up any longer.”

Riley and school board attorney Bob Hammonds determined that the board would interview four candidates on both interview days, which are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“We’re going to limit (each) interview to 45 minutes, giving candidates three minutes to answer questions,” Riley said. “We’re going to make sure our interviews stay on time … so that we don’t run past bedtime.”

On Monday, the board will interview Shirley, Davis, Lyons and Lloyd.

On Tuesday, the board will interview Scott, Gray, Lofton and Banyard.

After the interviews, the board will select three finalists at its next regular board meeting.

The interviews will be held in executive sessions.

“I don’t want something to be answered in public that shouldn’t be, unless (the candidate) objects, and wants to do the interview in an open session,” Riley said.