Since Mayor Herenton is no longer blackmailing the city of Memphis for the job of Memphis City Schools superintendent, it seems that the school board is getting serious about finding a replacement for Carol Johnson. Of the 54 applicants who applied for the position, the field has been narrowed to five. Of these, the school board hopes to have one hired and in place by July 1, 2008.

In the meantime, the board is inviting the public to get to know the candidates. The Memphis City Schools website has set up a candidates' page where you can peruse their resumes, read answers to the questions posed to them by the search firm, and even see a picture of each one. The public is also invited to the next round of interviews with the candidates. The interviews will be held in the auditorium at the Board of Education on the following dates:

• May 12, 2008, 4:00 p.m. -- Tiffany Anderson
• May 12, 2008, 5:45 p.m. -- Kriner Cash
• May 13, 2008, 1:00 p.m. -- Yvonne Brandon
• May 19, 2008, 1:30 p.m. -- Nicholas Gledich
• May 19, 2008, 3:30 p.m. -- James Williams

Do you have an opinion on who would make the best superintendent? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!