POLAND — The Poland Board of Education has narrowed the field in its search for a new superintendent.

Seven candidates remain and the board will have two special executive sessions to review them and narrow the field even more.

Board President Gregg Riddle said the board set sessions for Tuesday and today to begin the interviewing process for the candidates. The next work session will be May 17 and the next board meeting will be May 24.

Ed Vittardi from Finding Leaders, the search firm hired by Poland schools, said the seven semifinalists for superintendent are:

• Carole Sutton, assistant superintendent of Marlington Local Schools.

• Eugene Thomas, superintendent of Lowellville Local Schools.

• Shelley Monachino, director of teaching and learning at Tallmadge City Schools.

• Maria Hoffmaster, State Support Team Region 5 from the Ohio Department of Education.

• William Hanak, superintendent of North Central Local Schools.

• Jude Meyers, superintendent of Gallia County Local Schools.

• Craig Hockenberry-consultant / superintendent of Three Rivers Local Schools.

The interim superintendent for Poland schools is Edwin Holland, serving from Nov. 1, 2020, through July 31 this year. Former Superintendent David Janofa stayed on as a special assistant to Holland until Feb. 1. According to Holland’s contract, he receives a salary of $103,401.