KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Osceola County School Board approved a motion Tuesday night to negotiate a contract with Dr. Mark Shanoff for superintendent.

Shanoff was among four finalists that included Dr. Michael Allen, Terrence L. Connor and Dr. Ann Hembrook.

He has had various roles throughout central Florida districts according to a resume submitted to the county.

Shanoff currently serves as the Interim Chief Information Officer for Orange County Public Schools, according to the district website.

He previously served as Senior Executive Director of Information Technology Services in OCPS and as Chief Operating Officer in Volusia County Schools.

He has 13 years of experience as a school principal in OCPS at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

The district is expected to approve a contract for the new superintendent at the school board meeting on June 27.

Shanoff would replace Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace, who has been with the district in various roles for 33 years.

A meet-and-greet for candidates last week was held last week as people came out to learn more about the candidates.

A staff member said experience should be a key factor.

“I want somebody with new ideas, somebody who hasn’t been out of the classroom for 20 years or 29 years or 13 years," said Tina Tarrence, a paraprofessional at Mill Creek Elementary School. "I want somebody who still understands the climate inside the classroom and somebody who is hands on. Somebody who is not afraid to make changes.”

Shanoff, in a portion of his submission letter to the Osceola School District, said:

"We are experiencing unparalleled challenges in recruiting and retaining talented educators and support staff in our schools. We need to clearly define our market differentiators for potential employees. The superintendent must model personal connections within our workforce. School systems need not feel like bureaucracies."