The search for the Demopolis City Schools superintendent is well under way, with a handful of applicants already responding to the posted vacancy.

I spoke with interim superintendent Dr. Neil Hyche earlier this week, who said the opening was advertised in all the school systems in the state of Alabama and with the superintendent associations representing the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and South Carolina.

I’m excited about the possibilities of our school system going forward. A great foundation has been laid here, and there are a lot of tools with which to work. Over the course of this school year, I’ve come to know Dr. Hyche and have the deepest rooted respect for what he has done and what he knows how to do.

I feel comfortable with him spearheading our school system and our search to fill the vacancy permanently.

Hyche was pleased by the response thus far in our search, which has netted approximately eight formal resumes, and was excited at the probability of more as the March 1 deadline approaches.

That applicants around the Southeast are being drawn to this posting is a clear indication of the reputation our schools and our community have.

Our school system is locally, statewide and nationally prominent for the quality of education available.

Some of that responsibility lies with our principals: Westside’s Connie Brown, U.S. Jones’ Dr. Tony Speegle, Clarence Jackson at the middle school and Leon Clark at the high school. A lot of that responsibility also lies with the teachers and support staff employed by the system.

Demopolis has a lot to offer the right candidate, but the right candidate should have a lot to offer us.

We have qualified and effective leadership in place and are not in “desperate need” of help.

What we seek is a new level of leadership that can take our city school system to the next level.

We’re not in a position to “settle” for anyone. We’re an attractive community. This is an attractive job with a great track record for success.

I am confident in the leadership we have in place and know they seek only the best and brightest candidate to direct our school system forward and to find someone who will help Demopolis navigate through the challenges that await us.

Jason Cannon is publisher of the Demopolis Times.