Memphis, TN - Those close to Mayor Herenton believe he is still interested in being the next MCS superintendent despite a letter to the contrary.

On Monday night, the members of the Robert R. Church Elementary School choir gave a performance before the Memphis School Board.  Their young voices sang out, "at Robert R. Church, we are eager to learn."  And right now, many in the Bluff City, including the school board members, are eager to learn who will be the district's next superintendent.

"When I got it, I was like, oh...o.k.", says school board member Kenneth Whalum, Junior.  He's referring to the letter he received from Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton last week.

In it, Mayor Herenton told Whalum he was no longer pursuing the city school system's top job saying, "despite my passion for public education, I cannot consider being an applicant for the schools' superintendent position at this time."

Commissioner Whalum says, at first, he thought the letter meant the Mayor was dropping his plans to lead the school system.  But now, he says, he sees things differently.

"It only says he's not interested in applying for the position," says Whalum, "which means to me he is still interested."

And in fact, during a recent interview with The New York Times, Mayor Herenton told the reporter, "When you're good, you don't seek the positions, they seek you."

Memphis School Board president, Tomeka Hart, confirms to Eyewitness News Everywhere, that if Mayor Herenton doesn't formally throw his name into the hat, he could still be a top contender.

"We're just excited about anybody who feels they have skill and experience.  They can help us right the ship," says Hart.  "The ship is not going in the wrong direction but we certainly have some challenges.  And we're excited about any strong candidate that's interested in helping us."

The Mayor's staying mum about his current interest in the superintendent's job.  But during last week's Memphis City Council meeting, where he presented his annual budget, he hinted that he wouldn't be mayor next year.

"Whoever stands up here next year to make this presentation," he told the council, "the fiscal woes will be deeper."

The implication was clear.   Herenton has other career plans.  Leaving enquiring minds to wonder if he's still in the hunt to be Memphis' next superintendent.

"We are obligated by law to fill the position," says Commissioner Whalum.  "We are not obligated to fill it by any specific means."

And board president Hart admits:  "I've lived long enough to realize anything is possible."

The deadline to apply for the superintendent's job is Thursday, April 24th.  The national search firm in charge of the application process will present the school board with a list of finalists on May 6th, which is coincidently, the same day Mayor Herenton is scheduled to present his detailed education plan to the Memphis City Council.

The board hopes to select a new superintendent of Memphis City Schools by July 1st.