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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia Board of Education on Wednesday announced its top candidate to serve as the next West Virginia's schools superintendent.
The board said it expects to nominate and elect Michael Martirano to the position on July 1. He will replace Jim Phares, who will retire June 30.
Martirano is serving in his ninth year as superintendent of St. Mary's County Public Schools in Maryland and currently is the longest-serving superintendent in Maryland.
Martirano has served as a teacher, principal and district superintendent in Maryland and also is currently president of the Public School Superintendent Association of Maryland.
In a statement, board president Gayle Manchin said Martirano is expected to be introduced to the public at a July 9 board meeting in Charleston.
"Martirano understands the need for improved student achievement in West Virginia and has demonstrated a record of success in this area," Manchin said. "He is an energetic and passionate leader, an excellent communicator, and possesses a unique set of skills, talents and experience that will positively impact West Virginia's 282,000 students."
Educational executive leadership search company Ray and Associates Inc. engaged with 248 individuals regarding the position. Ultimately 64 candidates representing 43 different states submitted completed applications.
The board narrowed the pool of candidates to 10, then five, and recently interviewed three finalists.
On Tuesday, the board named deputy superintendent Charles Heinlein to serve until the position is permanently filled. Heinlein will take over the job on July 1, and will return to his current position after the schools chief is officially hired.
Heinlein also served as a short-term superintendent after the board fired former Superintendent Jorea Marple in 2012. State law does not allow the appointment of an interim superintendent.
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