With a self-imposed nomination deadline only days away, Natchez mayor and aldermen interviewed two Natchez-Adams School Board candidates Friday and will interview two more Monday afternoon.

Four candidates — James A. Coleman Sr., Norris Edney, Henry R. Gaud\u00E9 and Dale Steckler — are under consideration for the position, Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith said.

Steckler is the widow of Dr. David Steckler, whose death in June created the absence on the five-member board.

&uot;I think it’s great that the aldermen are taking the time with resumes and interviews,&uot; school Superintendent Dr. Carl Davis said. &uot;It shows their concern and how important it is we get the right person.&uot;

Last month, the aldermen committed themselves to name a new Natchez-Adams School Board member by or before their Tuesday, Sept. 26 meeting.

Smith said he was not pleased by the small number of nominations submitted by the aldermen for the position and was hoping to have more names from which to choose.

&uot;I don’t see where we can put it off any longer,&uot; he said.

&uot;There’s a lot of decisions that need to be made that need the input of that fifth member,&uot; Smith said.

A qualified board member should have experience in education or business, but preferably both, Smith said.

Davis said he is looking forward to Tuesday’s nomination. &uot;I just can’t wait until they name (the new school board member), so we can welcome him or her into the family … and put them to work,&uot; Davis said.

Without a fifth member, the school board has been forced to 3-1 votes, a consensus or tabling matters.

&uot;It’s going to make a big difference,&uot; Davis said. &uot;It will help us perform the task of meeting the needs of the school district.&uot;