By Christian Coffman

VIDALIA — Concordia Parish School Board members will likely narrow the list of school district superintendents from eight candidates to three when they meet today.

Monday and Tuesday nights, board members interviewed the applicants in executive session.

The first candidates interviewed Monday night were Vidalia Junior High School principal Robert Whestley Shirley, Vidalia Lower Elementary School principal Arlana Davis and Rodney Lloyd.

Tuesday night Timothy Scott, David Gray, Ronald Lofton Sr. and Spurgeon Banyard interviewed for the position.

Byron Lyons was scheduled to be interviewed Monday night, but did not show up.

Board President Raymond T. Riley and board member Ricky Raven said the board was very pleased with the candidates.

“They have a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences,” Raven said. “We’ve been pleased with the outside talent. They’ve done a good job interviewing. They’ve impressed us.”

Raven said the board has been paying close attention the candidates’ work experience to determine if they are the best fit for the parish. Raven said the board is looking for someone who will work with their employees and maintain morale.

“We would like for them to be visible in the public and promote Concordia Parish schools,” Raven said.

“We’re looking for the best person who can take our parish to another level,” Riley said.

Riley expressed confidence in the board’s ability to decide upon a candidate.

“We should be able to pick a successful superintendent out of this group,” he said.

Riley said three finalists will probably be chosen at today’s regularly scheduled meeting and then will be interviewed again next Monday.

“After that, we’ll come up with a superintendent from there,” Riley said. “I think we have several good candidates. Right now, I can’t say who we feel is the top … but we’re going to pick the best person who’s going to help us move forward, and help our school district rise.”