The Zachary Community School Board held interviews for the five finalists vying for superintendent of Zachary schools last week and is expected to vote Oct. 4 on whether it will continue interviewing for the district's leadership position.

The first round of interviews was held Tuesday, Sept. 25, in front of the nine-member school board. Stockholders from the Zachary community, district personnel, principals and media were invited to sit in on the interview process.

Candidates Scott Devillier, currently Director of Operations for the ZCSD, and Patrick Jenkins, Principal of Port Hudson Career Academy, were interviewed the first day.

On Wednesday, Sept. 26, the school board panel heard from candidates Alonzo Luce, Superintendent of the St. James Parish School District, Michelle Clayton, former Accountability and Curriculum Director for the ZCSD, and Phillip Burchfield, Superintendent of Clinton, Miss. Public Schools.

The interviews were scheduled in two parts. An oral question and answer session was held for no longer than an hour and a half and was followed by a written portion of the interview, in which candidates were led outside the board chambers and allowed to answer in private.

ZCSB Vice President Gaynell Young said the board could vote Thursday, Oct. 4, during a special board meeting, to name a successor to Warren Drake or narrow the field from five to about two or three finalists.

Drake left the district Sept. 4 to take a position with the State Department of Education.

If the board chooses to reduce the number of candidates, Young said there will be an opportunity to introduce them to the community on Tuesday, Oct. 16, during a "meet and greet." Finally, on Thursday, Oct. 25, the board could vote for their choice of Zachary's next superintendent during the regularly scheduled board meeting.