Minden High School principal Dr. Becky Wilson is one of five candidates who have applied for the Bienville Parish School Board’s superintendent position.

In a special meeting Monday, board members revealed the names of the applicants that will potentially interview for the job. In addition to Wilson, they are:

Byron Lyons, Ph.D, of Tallahassee, Florida

Kenneth Gipson of Simsboro

Scott Canady of Jonesboro

Delarious O. Stewart of Largo, Maryland

Applications have been sent to Jason Thompson, of Human Resources for Ouachita Parish. He will vet the applicants to make sure they are certified to take the superintendent’s position if hired. Once they are vetted, then the applicants will be narrowed down to who is certified.

The board set 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 as the interview date. Applicants will be sequestered on the day of the interviews. It will be a special called meeting with the stipulation that the board may enter into executive session if need be. 

The meeting and interviews are open to the public. District 7 Board Member Donald Calloway said this is how it was done previously. 

“This way, no one will find out the questions we ask until they are interviewed,” he said. “It should be done all in one day to keep one from having an advantage over another.”

The concern is that with the speed in which social media can spread information, the candidates could learn of the questions asked during the interview process. However, the candidates will be required to leave their phones with someone until the interview process is complete.

The contract for current Bienville Parish Superintendent of Schools William Wysinger was not renewed earlier this year, with a split vote of four to three against its renewal.

Once the interviews are complete, the board is expected to make a selection between Dec. 18-20.

(Original story by Michelle Bates.)