MADISON, Ala.(WHNT)-The search for the next school board member in the city of Madison is now underway.

Three of the seven candidates for the open school board spot are being interviewed Wednesday night at Madison City Hall. It’s an appointed, not elected, position.

Current Madison City School Board Member Connie Spears is one of the candidates being interviewed Wednesday evening. The remaining four finalists will be interviewed Thursday. Madison City Council President Tommy Overcash said Spears’ incumbent status does not make her a shoe-in for another five-year term.

“We try to get as many resumes, it’s one of the most important things we do out here,” said Overcash. “One of the previous incumbents did not make it several years ago, and one that did said it was one of the toughest interviews she’s ever had.”

Overcash and other city officials said there are no plans to scrap the current appointment process for a public election.

“The general opinion is if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” said Overcash. “It takes the politics out of it a little bit, and allows them [school board members] to represent the school system as a whole. They’re not representing any particular district. It’s worked incredibly well for us.”

Scott Edwards and Joseph Irvine are the other two candidates being interviewed Wednesday. Madison City Council appoints one school board member every year, with all members serving a five-year term.