The Pittsfield School Committee makes a decision on who will become the next superintendent and committee members say they are thrilled about the choice. YNN's Madeleine Rivera was at the meeting and has the story.

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- During the search for a new superintendent, school committee members were sure about one thing.

"Our students and our community really want a superintendent that's going to come in, start running, working on the things that we need and stay here for several years," said Kathleen Amuso from the Pittsfield Superintendent Search Committee.

Howard "Jake" Eberwein III left the post last June. Since then, the school committee has been working to fill the position. They gathered more than 30 candidates in the search. And on Wednesday, a decision was made.

Jason "Jake" McCandless was picked out of three finalists for the post. McCandless was not present at the meeting, but received high marks from many of the members. One called him an "exceptional choice."

"I'm really pleased about this part of the process. It's been a long process," said Amuso.

This isn't the first time that the committee has held a search.

"Last year, we had a superintendent search, also. But we didn't think the candidates were strong enough," said Amuso.

Interim Superintendent Gordon Noseworthy says the new superintendent will deal with some specific challenges.

"That person will be picking up with the new Taconic High School building project and that's going to take dedication. And I think it's a good time to be a superintendent in Pittsfield," said Noseworthy.

McCandless has yet to accept the job offer. If he does, the appointment may be made on March 13th.