The Pinellas School Board has narrowed the field of finalists to be the district's next superintendent. Still in the hunt are (from left to right) Alberto M. Carvalho, 43, associate superintendent of Miami-Dade schools, Nicholas M. Gledich, 55, chief operations officer for Orange County schools, and Julie Janssen, 59, interim superintendent in Pinellas.

All three will return to Pinellas on Sept. 8 for a day of interviews and school tours, and an evening meeting with the public. Board members said they were impressed by Sherrie Nickell, an associate superintendent for Polk County schools, but added she did not have the level of experience they were seeking.

The board took about 50 minutes to set the field this morning, starting by going around the table to get a consensus on which candidates they wanted back for a second interview. Six board members said they wanted to bring back Janssen, and five said they wanted to talk to Carvalho again. Four board members said they were unsure about bringing Gledich back, but after some discussion most said they wanted to interview him again.

To see the Pinellas School Board's interviews last week with the three finalists, click here.

- Thomas C. Tobin, Times staff writer

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