The Board of Education has selected five candidates from among the 17 individuals who applied to become the District 5 representative following the upcoming resignation of Vice President Reginald M. Felton. The term would end in November 2006.

The five candidates – Mary T. Edwards, Philip S. Kauffman, Henry Lee, Leslie K. Ridgway, and Ruby A. Rubens – will be interviewed by the members of the Board of Education next week after the regularly scheduled business meeting on Tuesday, June 8. The interviews are open to the public.

The interviews are a continuation of the process by Board members to assess the qualifications of the candidates for appointment. Each 20-minute interview will involve a structured question and answer session, in which the candidates will know the questions in advance. The questions focus on the candidate’s perceptions of the role of a Board member, professional and civic experiences, priorities, assessment of the needs of District 5, and availability for extensive meetings and other public commitments.

Board members selected the five finalists following a review of information submitted by each prospective applicant. The Board will vote on the appointment by the end of June.