By By Adrienne McKenzie
The search is still going strong for an Escambia County High School principal, according to superintendent Billy Hines.
Kyle Ferguson, former principal at ECHS, turned in his resignation two weeks ago and his resignation was effective July 20.
The screening process of applicants will begin tomorrow at 1 p.m. However, the deadline for submitting applications is today. A special committee consisting of 12 individuals has been formed to complete the interviewing process. The committee will submit a recommendation to school board members after the process is complete.
The committee will consist of two central office personnel, two teachers from ECHS, two support personnel from ECHS and two people from each of Districts 5, 6 and 7. Randall Little, assistant superintendent, will serve as chairperson for the interviews.
Hines said names of committee members can not be disclosed to make the interview process fair for all applicants.
"I want the committee to be open-minded and to do what is best for Atmore and I don't want them to feel pressured," Hines said. "I want this to be fair, but once the committee meets, it's no secret. But, all aspects of the community and education will be represented."
Legally the principal position has to be advertised for 14 days before any decisions can be made, Hines said. The 14 days ends today and the screening process begins tomorrow.
"Hopefully we've got at least three to five viable candidates for the principal position," he said. "I don't look at the applicants until the 14 days is over with since I have to advertise for 14 days legally."
Interviews for the ECHS principal job are scheduled to be held July 25 and the committee will make a recommendation to the board at the July 26 meeting. If a candidate is not found from the applicants, the search for a principal will continue and Hines will select an interim principal.
The screening process tomorrow will consist of the committee looking over the applications and ensuring all standards are met.
"We will look at the applicants and make sure they meet the qualifications we've set forth," Hines said.
Anyone who wishes to apply for the position must have a Master's Degree, must have or be eligible for Alabama Certification with Endorsement in Principalship or Endorsement in administrative/supervisory K-12, must have three plus years of high school experience and three plus years administrative experience, assistant principalship preferred.
Hines said if no one meets the qualifications, he will go from there, first deciding who to select as interim principal.
"I'm taking this step by step," he said.