POINT PLEASANT — A new superintendent has been chosen to lead Mason County Schools, but that person’s name has not been released pending the outcome of contract negotiations.

Members of the Mason County Board of Education met in special session Friday to approve the hiring of the superintendent, who will replace current Superintendent Dr. Larry Parsons when he transfers to Preston County this summer.

Tom Nunnery, school board president, confirmed that a candidate had been selected, but he said the board wanted to make sure an agreement is reached regarding a contract prior to announcing the person’s name.

The prospective candidates were interviewed by board members May 2. Those filing for the position were Sandra Angius of Sissonville, Dr. William Capehart of Point Pleasant, Stephen Kingery of Scott Depot, Irene C. Murphy of Ravenswood, Dr. Douglas Sturgeon of Ashton, Thomas R. Tull of Scott Depot and Rebecca Zuspan of Mason.

The new superintendent will assume the position being vacated by Parsons, who earlier this year was appointed by the West Virginia State Board of Education to be the superintendent of Preston County after the state board took over that system. According to the state board’s Web site, an audit of the Preston County School System found that students were not being provided with a thorough and efficient system as provided by law, including limited financial resources, deteriorating school buildings and a lack of leadership.

Nunnery said if the person selected agrees to the proposed contract, an official announcement will be made during next week’s regularly scheduled board meeting, which is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The new superintendent will take over leadership duties July 1.