KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The search for Kent Intermediate School District's next leader is over.

Grandville Superintendent Ron Caniff will replace Kevin Konarska, who is retiring.  Caniff was the lone finalist left after West Ottawa Superintendent Tom Martin withdrew his application for the job.  Caniff's final interview with the Kent ISD Board was held Tuesday.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Ron Caniff as the next leader of Kent ISD,” said Kent ISD School Board President Claudia Bajema. “He brings 15 years of experience and the strong support of his peers.

“We are confident that the transition from Kevin to Ron will be very smooth, and that Ron will lead with the talent, energy, and interpersonal skills that we have enjoyed for the past nine years under Kevin’s leadership. We also wish Kevin all the best in the next phase of his life,” she added.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—The search for Kent Intermediate School District’s next superintendent is down to two people.

After the first round of interviews this week, the Kent ISD School board whittled down the pool of four finalists to two- Ron Caniff, superintendent of Grandville Public Schools; and Tom Martin, superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools.  Superintendents Dr. Curtis Finch of the Mecosta-Osceola ISD and Dr. Sara Magana Shubel of East Grand Rapids Public Schools were not selected for second round interviews.

Caniff and Martin will be interviewed a second time Tuesday, March 31.  The person selected for the job will replace Kevin Konarska, who is retiring on June 30, after nine years of leading Kent ISD.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Leaders of the Kent Intermediate School District are narrowing their search for the ISD’s next superintendent.

Board members will begin interviewing the four finalists this week.  The candidates include Ron Caniff, superintendent of Grandville Public Schools; Dr. Curtis Finch, superintendent of the Mecosta-Osceola ISD; Tom Martin, superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools; and Dr. Sara Magana Schubel, superintendent of East Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Finch will be first up for questioning.  His interview will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday.  Shubel and Caniff will be interviewed Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m.; Martin will answer the Board’s questions on Thursday.  The second round of interviews will take place Tuesday, March 31.