Without reason, the Jackson (Miss.) Public Schools' Board of Trustees voted not to offer a contract to finalist Dennis Carpenter for the superintendent' position Tuesday, opting to go with the other finalist, Cedric Gray.

Carpenter, who has served as Newton County's Deputy Superintendent for Operations since 2009, lost by a 5-2 vote following nearly two hours in executive session by the board.

Board members Dr. Otha Burton and Tim Collins were in favor of hiring Carpenter for the position. According to a survey printed in the Jackson, Miss. newspaper The Clarion-Ledger, Carpenter appeared to be the preferred candidates by parents in that community.

When asked for a comment regarding the board's decision, Carpenter said in an email, "I would like to thank the JPS Board of Trustees for employing a very thorough and professional search process. I am humbled to have been a part of this process and I wish Dr. Gray the best as he embarks upon this important, moral endeavor."