[5/16/03]The three finalists will sit down for one-on-one interviews Saturday with the Vicksburg Warren School District board of trustees, but before those sessions begin, the superintendent candidates will be in the public spotlight at a meeting tonight.

“Here’s the chance to ask them questions,” said board President Kay Aasand, District 5 trustee.

The two local finalists are James Price, an administrative assistant to the superintendent, and Agnes Lyles, assistant superintendent.

Kim Stasney, superintendent of the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District, is the third finalist.

“This is a chance for people to see the candidates, listen to them and hear what they have to say,” Aasand said.

Each candidate will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves, then a question and answer session will begin. Those wanting to ask a candidate a question will be given a number as they come in, Aasand said. One question is allowed per person and must be a one-part question, she said. Each candidate will have two minutes to answer.

“A strong community equals strong schools,” said Jan Daigre, District 4 trustee. “We want the community telling us what they want in a superintendent, and this is the perfect opportunity for that.”

The superintendent search began after Donald Oakes announced on Jan. 30 his plans to retire. He will officially step down June 30. Oakes’ salary is $104,000 but the incoming superintendent’s salary will be determined by the board.

The fourth superintendent of the consolidated district, Oakes was appointed to the position in April 2001 after serving as interim superintendent for 14 months. Previous superintendents are Ed Gilley, Charles Craft and Robert Pickett.

The school district serves about 9,200 students and was consolidated from the city and county school districts in 1986.

The superintendent is appointed by a vote from the five members of the board of trustees, who are elected.

Aasand said she did not know when the board would announce a decision.