THE TIMES-JOURNAL

When the Selma City Board of education meets to select its new superintendent Monday the vote could end in a tie.

What happens next? They go to the scorecards.

The eight board members are an even number, which could possibly produce a four-way tie should each of the four finalists receive two votes apiece. That may not happen.

Whatever happens board member Debra Howard wants the public there to see it. She is encouraging everyone to come to Pickard Auditorium for the 5 p.m. meeting.

Board members Friday, in executive session, tallied the scorecards from the interviews and discussed the candidates in preparation for Monday’s meeting. A simple majority of votes cast determines the outcome.

Hiouas said that gives board members something tangible to base their votes on. She said they also have objective criteria to consider.

After they return to Selma from their annual meeting of the Alabama Association of School Boards in Birmingham, board members said they would be ready to vote Monday night.

School board chairman John Williams has said they want new superintendent in place after the first of the year. But, what if there is a tied vote?

Hiouas agreed lack of consensus could slow the process.

Two of the four finalists are local. Donald G. Jefferson, 54, is a native Selmian who worked as principal of Selma High, his alma mater. Kenneth Oliver, 42, is a native of Dallas County and worked in the Dallas County system. He is currently principal of Booker T. Washington High in Macon County.

One of the candidates, Dr. Yvette Richardson, is also a candidate to lead Russell County Schools, officials there confirmed.