NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When Pedro Garcia stepped down as Metro schools director in January and Chris Henson stepped in as interim director, the school board was hoping that a permanent leader would be in place by now.

Video: Metro Could Have Schools Director Soon, Chairman Says

"This is an urgent need for us," said Metro School Board Chairman David Fox.

Fox said a search firm has narrowed the field to three or four candidates, and within a matter of weeks, Metro's struggling school system could have a new director.

"Potentially, we could have someone start as soon as January," Fox said.

Starting Dec. 6, the board will begin interviewing the finalists. Their spouses will also be questioned. Fox said board members may even visit the candidates' home districts.

Overall, he said, they are looking for two major abilities.

"(We are looking for those) who have demonstrated expertise of educating at-risk kids to high levels and, secondly, have experience managing large complex organizations," said Fox.

But as the search for the schools directors comes to an end, the mayor said he is continuing to take over Metro schools come August if, once again, the district fails to meet federal benchmarks in August.

State education officials said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Gov. Phil Bredesen and other leaders have been meeting about the potential change. Fox said that has caused some tension between some board members and the mayor's office, because if the mayor or someone else took over the district, they could do away with the school board and that newly hired schools director.

"My sense is that the Nashville Board of Education would not be receptive to that sort of change of governance," said Fox.

The mayor's office said these meetings are a way of preparing if the change is needed but are also a part of the mayor's overall education initiative.

Fox said if the board cannot agree on one of the candidates, the search process could start over.