Officials in a south Mississippi school district say they likely won’t meet a Sept. 1 deadline to hire a new superintendent.

The Hattiesburg School Board has received 28 applications for the job to succeed Annie Wimbish as the district’s leader.

Board president Marcus Cathey said the budget process is largely the reason for the delay. He says even if the deadline isn’t met, officials want to make sure they get the right person for the job.

Wimbish resigned on June 30.