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Because none of the four candidates won a majority in Tuesday's election, the runoff will feature the two top finishers - Randle Downs, who received 2,125 votes, or 39.1 percent, and Kenneth Chism, with 1,426 votes, or 26.3 percent.
Interim Superintendent Billy D. Stroupe received 1,155 votes, or 21.3 percent, and Thrasher Principal Rivers Stroup received 716 votes, or 13.2 percent.
The vote totals include about 350 absentee ballots, but not about 75 affidavit and curbside votes.
Downs, 64, is retired after 40 years in the classroom and administration. He has served as New Site High School principal, as well as in other Prentiss County and Booneville education posts.
Chism, 65, was superintendent of the Prentiss County School District for one term, from 2004 to 2007.
Downs says he will focus on curriculum and quality instruction, if elected.
Chism says he will keep control of the district's budget by collaborating on spending priorities with other administrators and school leaders.
Contact Lena Mitchell at (662) 287-9822 or lena.mitchell@djournal.com.