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Escambia County Schools System District 5 Boardmember Loumeek White said Sunday night he is encouraging residents to participate in the interviews for the next superintendent of the school system.

The interviews will be held on July 26, 27 and 29 at Flomaton High School at 6 each evening, according to an emailed statement from White.

Superintendent candidates recommended by Alabama Association of School Board search committee members are:

• Gary K. Glass – a resident of Kinston, he currently serves as a principal in the Monroe County School system;

• Michele M. McClung – a resident of Mobile, she currently serves as director of teaching, learning and assessment for the Mobile County Public Schools Board of Education;

• Dr. Sandra Reid – a resident of Brewton, she currently serves as assistant superintendent for the Escambia County Board of Education;

• Wade Shipman – a resident of Tallassee, he currently serves as superintendent at the Tallassee City Board of Education;

• Dr. Barbarietta Turner – a resident of Monroeville, she currently serves as director of student services for the Monroe County Board of Education; and,

• Dr. Stephen “Clay” Webber – a resident of Albertville, he currently serves as a principal in the Marshall County Board of Education system.

“All of our communities have a real chance to help create a premier school system for our kids,” White said in an emailed statement. “We have the opportunity to reap the benefits of having an attractive school system with talented teachers, rigorous academics, advanced tech (technology) and competitive sports programs that can catapult our children to the next level. We can do this if we have the right leadership.

“From our hometowns, we have the potential to produce 21st century artists, inventors, entrepreneurs and premier athletes, just to name a few,” he added. “We must work together to make this a reality for our kids. If other communities can do it, we can, too.”

White said he’s encouraging everyone to participate.

“Your participation in this process is critical for the future of our children,” he said. “If you cannot attend each presentation, send family members, friends and other members of the community. Take notes and share your thoughts and opinions online and contact your district’s school boardmembers. Let them know what you think and which candidate you support. Your opinion is valuable. I personally want to hear from you. Your elected leaders need your input and prayers to help guide them to make the right decisions on behalf of everyone.”