Chicago Official Fields School Committee Questions as Superintendent Interviews Begin

After several months of searching, New Bedford was introduced to the first of three Superintendent candidates Monday.

Dr. Steven Zrike of the Chicago School system was interviewed by the School Committee about his experience managing 26 elementary schools in that city, challenges he's faced in urban school districts, and his leadership style. The former Boston principal tells WBSM News he'd bring strong leadership and direction to the district.

Zrike thinks the district will need several years of stable leadership to achieve real success.

The 36-year-old Norfolk, Mass. native would look to bring increased teacher planning time and data analysis to the district, if tapped to be the next superintendent. The interviews continue tonight with outgoing Attleboro superintendent Pia Durkin. It starts at 6pm, in the New Bedford High School Auditorium.