Interviews for the post of Fairfield Independent School District superintendent started this week in three special meetings of the board of trustees.

The school board started conducting interviews of six candidates on Monday and was to wrap up the first round Thursday evening.

A total of 37 applications were received for the job and, with the assistance of Arrow Educational Services of Mabank, the school board narrowed the list to six candidates.

First round of interviews consists of asking the six candidates a list of identical questions. The questions are the same for all candidates to help the board make comparisons.

From the six interviews this week, the board will narrow the field of candidates to two who are to be interviewed on Jan. 20-21.

After the second round of interviews, trustees will announce a lone finalist for the post.

Interviews are to be conducted in closed session under the Texas Open Meetings Act.

After the lone finalist is chosen by the board, a 21-day waiting period is required before the superintendent can be formally hired.

The top FISD job became vacant with the retirement of Tony Price, effective Dec. 31. Price has been contracted by the board to serve as interim superintendent until the office is filled.