Escambia County School Superintendent Billy Hines completed the interview process Wednesday that will lead to a recommendation for a new principal at W.S. Neal High School.

Hines said local candidates were interviewed following the closing of the application period last week.

“I plan to have a recommendation for the principal’s position at W.S. Neal High School ready to present to the board members at Thursday’s meeting,” Hines said. “I will make a recommendation and it will be the decision of the board members that will name a new principal for the school.”

The new principal expected to be named Thursday will replace Phillip Ellis who served as the school’s leader until his death last month.