Jim Dunlap and Dr. Russell Marshall, heads of Arrow Educational Services Inc., were recently hired by the district to screen candidates for the position. Marshall was head of the search team that recruited Johnson for the position in 2005, according to Wayne Mitchell, interim chief of the district.

“The board named Mr. Brown as the lone finalist Tuesday night,” said Mitchell. “There's a 21-day waiting period before the board can actually vote on him and make it official, however. The trustees are expected to do that Aug. 5.”

Mitchell, who has served as interim superintendent several times in the past, said he's excited to see Brown come to the helm of Coahoma ISD.

“We had 41 applicants for the position, and to have that many applicants for a school district our size is just outstanding. I retired several years ago, but with the changes in superintendents I haven't been able to stop working yet,” said Mitchell with a laugh. “This decision will give me a chance to take some time off again.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it