New Schools Chief Tentatively Selected

After two days of interviewing, members of the Laguna Beach Unified School District board have selected their new schools superintendent.

Or so they think. The appointment is contingent on a visit to the school district where the candidate--whose name was withheld--currently works, Steven Rabago, a school board member, said. A date for the visit has yet to be decided.

The board received 41 applications from California school officials who want to succeed Reed S. Montgomery, the former superintendent. He was fired in February and plans to sue the district for what he considers an unfair dismissal.

Of the original crop of candidates, the board selected five semifinalists, who were interviewed on Wednesday. Three candidates were brought back Thursday for additional interviews, and at the end of the day, board members decided on a finalist.

A new schools chief is expected to be named before the end of the month.