Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Local superintendents and members of the state Board of Education say a new state superintendent should be able to work with lawmakers, put students first in decisions and be able to navigate Mississippi's diversity.

Those are among qualities state board members voted Friday to include on Mississippi's call for applications for a new state superintendent. Now that the board has approved language, search firm Ray and Associates will be begin advertising the position and soliciting applicants.

Semifinalists will be asked to fill out a psychological profile, a step board members approved at the urging of board member John Kelly of Gulfport.

Board members hope to make a selection by October.

Interim Superintendent Lynn House has served since Tom Burnham resigned in 2012. She isn't a candidate for the permanent post.