The interview process in the search for Selma City Schools’ next superintendent came to a conclusion Friday night, as the last two out of five candidates were interviewed for the job.

Avis Williams, executive director of secondary curriculum and instruction for Guilford County Schools (North Carolina), was the first to be interview by school board members, and Angela Mangum, who works for the Alabama Department of Education, was the final candidate to be interviewed.

Williams and Mangum were asked the same questions the first three candidates were asked Wednesday and Thursday nights.

When asked why the board should choose them for the job, each candidate shared why they should be chosen to run the school system.

“As a leader, I pride myself on my ability to implement change in such a way that stakeholders are involved and aware, teachers, principals and so forth have buy in and opportunities to weigh in on decisions that are being made and to understand what the expectations are behind those decisions,” Williams said. “I think that the tools I bring to Selma City Schools can make us the next pillar in education.”

Mangum cited her 16 years of teaching experience as the reason she should be hired, but her reason for wanting to come to Selma was more than just a job.

“[Civil rights] has always been valued in my family. I couldn’t march, but I could teach, and I could make a difference for our children,” Mangum said. “I have a firm desire to make a difference. Selma aligns and matches very well with my purpose for education.”

With a new job, comes new challenges, and Williams said building relationships and trust would be her biggest challenge.

“In a small community everybody knows everybody, so the relationship piece will be vital,” Williams said.

“That is one of my strengths. It will show that I am here because I care and my passion and priorities are built around doing what is best for children.”

Mangum said her biggest challenge would be helping teachers adjust to the shift to the college and career readiness standards.

School board member Kirit Chapatwala’s questions focused on changing the academic culture for Selma’s students.

“Leadership sets the tones for expectations, so I would be a very strong leader of high expectations in my roles and responsibilities,” Mangum said. “People follow suit with leadership, so providing that model and really focusing on spotlighting, recognizing and supporting the excellence that is already in the district.”

With the interviews conducted, the board will move on to making a decision. That process will begin with Monday’s school board meeting scheduled for 5 p.m.

Reginald Eggleston, who is an assistant superintendent for Mobile County Schools was the first candidate to be interviewed Wednesday. Thursday’s interviews were Elliot Harris from Jasper City Schools and Keith Stewart, superintendent for Bullock County Schools.