NATCHEZ — Retired dentist Dr. Benny Wright is the newest member of the Natchez-Adams County School Board.

Wright was appointed to the position by the Natchez Board of Aldermen in a 3-2 vote Tuesday night.

Alderman James “Ricky” Gray made the nomination, which was seconded by Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis. Alderman Dan Dillard was the third vote in favor.

Alderman Ernest “Tony” Fields — an employee of the school system — recused himself from the vote.

The two dissenting votes belonged to aldermen Bob Pollard and Mark Fortenbery.

Wright was one of seven applicants for the position, vacated earlier this year by Matilda Stephens.

Mathis, Gray and Dillard said Wright was clearly the most qualified candidate and was focused on the children.

“(Wright and I) both agree that the most important constituents are the children in the school system, and it really demands his attention,” Dillard said. “I really think he’s the right man for the position.”

Gray also said it is Wright’s love of children that earned his vote.

“To me he was the best person out of all seven,” he said. “He addressed some issues that some educators didn’t address.”

Namely, Gray said Wright feels that if children cannot read by the third grade, they are highly likely to drop out of school, and that the elementary grades should be given a lot of attention.

Gray said that idea really piqued his interest and gave him a great push in his decision to nominate and appoint Wright.

Also, Wright’s fresh perspective was a deciding factor, Gray said.

“Sometimes we need to get away from putting all educators on the board,” he said.

Mathis said interviews with Wright revealed his passion for the job.

“Whoever we selected should be for children and education,” Mathis said.