(a) A county board of education shall make decisions affecting the filling of vacancies in professional positions of employment on the basis of the applicant with the highest qualifications: Provided, That the county superintendent shall be hired under separate criteria pursuant to §18-4-2 of this code.
(b) In judging qualifications for the filling of vacancies of professional positions of employment, consideration shall be given to each of the following:
(1) Appropriate certification, licensure or both;