One Montgomery County school board member said Wednesday it's not a good time for Superintendent Tiffany Anderson to leave the school system but that he would understand if she did leave.

"I think it would be very good to the school system for her to stay and finish out some of her projects," said Wat Hopkins. "But obviously we understand."

On Tuesday, the Memphis (Tenn.) City School Board announced that Anderson is one of five finalists for its superintendent's job.

Anderson said Wednesday that she applied for the job because her husband, Stan, recently began exploring jobs in more metropolitan areas closer to his family.

"If there are opportunities that I feel are a match for me in a place that he selects, then I certainly will explore those opportunities," she said.

She said she has not applied to other open positions "previous to the last 10 days," including the head spot for St. Louis Public Schools. Anderson came to Montgomery County in 2005 from Rockwood School District in St. Louis, where she was assistant superintendent for student services.

Her first contract as a superintendent was signed here. In August, her contract, with a base salary of $134,512 was extended through 2010. If she leaves, she'll have to break that contract.

"We don't have much hope," Hopkins said, explaining that he would expect her to follow her husband if he were to get a new job.

Board members said she told them about the potential job Tuesday.

Board president Wendell Jones said he was surprised, in part, by the announcement, but said he would expect a young professional couple to move on.

Jones and Hopkins both voted against extending Anderson's contract for two years citing some "concerns," but Jones said Wednesday that Anderson is making strides.

"I think this year, by far, has been the best year so far," he said.

He cites Anderson's personnel switches to use qualified, senior-level employees better.

Officials in Memphis said they hope to interview applicants by Monday or Tuesday, but Anderson said she is still working out those details.

"I enjoy my work and community here very much; however, I also am committed to supporting my family fully," she said. "I am supporting my husband just as he supported me," she said.

Anderson is vying for the spot against educators from larger areas, including Yvonne Brandon, deputy superintendent for Richmond Public Schools, a superintendent from Buffalo, N.Y., and an acccountability director from Miami.

Memphis is the 21st largest school district in the nation, and expects to offer a base salary about $260,000, depending on the candidate's credentials.