The Wayland Board of Education plans to interview five finalist candidates for new superintendent Saturday, June 6, beginning at 10 a.m.

Board members are shooting for having the interviews face to face, but if health restrictions are still in place by then, they will have the sessions in a virtual format. If held face to face, the interviews will be at the high school cafeteria.

Board members said they prefer face to face in a second round before making a final selection.

The board is attempting to find a successor to Norman Taylor, who is retiring June 30 after serving the district for 10 years. Though Taylor announced his retirement last December, the successor selection process has been challenged by the COVID-19 viral pandemic.

Board members in a special meeting Monday night originally considered seven candidates, but whittled them down to five. All are from Michigan and most are assistant superintendents looking to move up.

The process has been guided by Rod Green, a consultant from the Michigan Association of School Boards.

The names of the finalists are being withheld until just before the interviews.