THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

The candidates vying to become the next superintendent of Selma City Schools are patiently waiting.

School board members announced again this week they&8217;re deadlocked, divided over Dr. Yvette Richardson and Dr. Donald Jefferson.

They are the result of a national search that began in July 2007, and was narrowed to 12 candidates. Then there were five. One withdrew from the process and school board members conducted open interviews with four.

Now the choice has come down to two.

Jefferson, a Selma native, said Tuesday he remains encouraged and is waiting for the process to run its course.

Jefferson, 50, is in his second year as a facilitator for comprehensive monitoring with the Alabama Department of Education. He travels the state, ensuring compliance of school systems with state and federal guidelines.

Richardson, 49, spent eight years as superintendent of Fairfield City Schools, and the past two years as principal of Robinson Elementary School. She has been approved by the board of education in Russell County as its next superintendent, but is yet to accept the position paying in excess of $127,000.

Having worked in Selma as a consultant in the establishment of the Selma Early College High School, Richardson said she want to come to Selma.

Chairman John L. Williams, Dr. Kirit Chapatwala, the Rev. Coley Chestnut and Debra Howard cast votes for Jefferson. Ben Givan, James Terry, Dr. Anne Fitts and Barbara Hiouas voted for Richardson.