Both finalists in the Oakwood City Schools search for a new superintendent have ties to the community.

John Kronour, superintendent of Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, is a former Oakwood Junior High principal.

Kyle Ramey, director of instructional services for Kettering City Schools, is a resident of Oakwood.

Board president Sam Davis expects one of them to be chosen within the next several weeks to succeed superintendent Mary Jo Scalzo, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

The search began last fall and was conducted for Oakwood by the Ohio School Boards Association, Davis said.

“We have now narrowed that field.”

Next step, on March 9, will be a series of “team interviews” with Ramey and Kronour, conducted by groups including staff, teachers, parents, and community leaders.

“Those groups will then provide their feedback. My hope is that we will make our decision shortly after that,” Davis said.

The Oakwood board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is March 11.

Ramey, 46, who has held several positions with Kettering Schools, said he’s “honored to be named a finalist and very excited about the prospect of being superintendent.”

Kronour, 50, was also director of technology for Oakwood Schools during his more than nine years with the district. He has been Tipp superintendent for seven years.

“I’m very happy to be in consideration,” he said.

Oakwood Schools treasurer Kevin Philo said there were 23 applicants for the position.

Scalzo, who has been employed by the district since 1992, has been superintendent since Dec. 1, 2004.