The Pinellas School Board will meet Friday to begin discussions on how to replace outgoing superintendent Clayton Wilcox. But the district heard Wednesday from a big name in local education circles who is interested in the job. Mike Grego (left), Hillsborough County's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, wrote the board saying he'd like to be Pinellas' next superintendent.

"I recognize that the search for the superintendent has not been officially advertised, but I want to be proactive and express my sincere desire to lead the Pinellas County School District as its next superintendent," Grego began in a two-page letter that accompanied a nine-page resume.

Grego, who was a finalist for the Hillsborough top job in 2005, cited Hillsborough's student achievement gains, his knowledge of Pinellas County and his policy experience, saying he would be "a perfect choice for your district."

He wrote that he is familiar with Pinellas' student assignment plan, its bus system issues, its magnet programs, plus "the state of teacher morale and your progress closing the achievement gap."

He didn't say it in the letter, but Hillsborough has outpaced Pinellas on several measures in recent years, most notably with its graduation rate and the performance of minority students.

Several other candidates for the job have surfaced, including Wilcox's top deputies, Julie Janssen and Harry Brown. Wilcox has accepted a job with Scholastic Corp. and wants to leave the district by June 1.