Selma’s School Board narrows its search for a new superintendent to three candidates

The Selma City School Board has narrowed its search for a new superintendent to three candidates.

Dr. Davion Lewis, Dr. David Scott and Taurus Smith were named as finalists at a meeting on Feb. 4.

Dr. Davion Lewis of South Bend, Indiana, is assistant superintendent of South Bend Community Schools, which is a district that is a similar size to Selma. He also has experience working in a district with similar issues to Selma, including underperforming schools and students coming from high poverty. An accomplishment includes improving academics by increasing grade levels and attendance. 

Dr. David Scott is the director of curriculum and instruction at Tuscaloosa County Schools since 2021 and served as head of professional learning before that for two years. He works as an adjunct professor at community colleges and is part of accreditation teams. He has been a principal and leader of strategic planning efforts. 

Taurus Smith is familiar to Selma City Schools after working in the district as a teacher for 10 years and then a principal for 10 years. She is currently education administrator for the state Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement since 2020.

Board members reviewed the applications of all five applicants and gave their opinions of the candidates, who were referred to by number rather than by name so the board could discuss the candidates’ qualifications in the open.

Board Member Dr. Tanya Miles emphasized that “stability in leadership is important” and must be top priority for the board. Board Chairman Johnny Moss III told the board, “Let’s just all continue to research these finalists, everyone.”

Dr. Elgin L. Dixon, former superintendent of Twiggs County Schools in Georgia and currently coordinator of Laurens County Department of Public Health, and Dr. Titus Hines, Superintendent of Perry County Schools in Hattiesburg, Miss., did not make the final cut.

The previous Superintendent, Zickeyous Byrd, retired on Sept. 30, 2024, and an interim leader, Darryl Aikerson, took over in early October to give the board time to identify and hire a new permanent leader within the required 180 days.