ROCKPORT — The superintendent of a regional school system in Maine is the School Committee's choice to be the next superintendent of Rockport's public schools.

The committee Wednesday night chose Robert Liebow, superintendent of the Mount Desert Island Regional School System, to succeed Superintendent Susan King when she steps down at the end of this school year.

"The selection of Mr. Liebow completes a very aggressive search to find the best fit for the next leader of our school system," said School Committee Chairman Michael Kelley. "Although both of our finalist candidates represented exceptional and talented possibilities, ultimately we had to choose one individual to lead our school district forward. The consensus of the committee was that Mr. Liebow should be that leader."

Liebow won the nod over Jon Bernard of Rowley, principal at North Reading High School, who had emerged as the other finalist in a field that began with 47 applicants.

School officials will now look to meet with Liebow to confirm his acceptance of the post and begin discussions on a contract. Rockport officials are hoping the incoming superintendent can work on the job with King for a few weeks to ensure an orderly transition.

Liebow's selection capped an accelerated three-month search process that began with King's announcement in January that she would be stepping down.

"We promised to be as transparent and as timely as possible when we started this search," said Kelley, "and I think, thanks to the efforts and input of many volunteers, educators and community members, we were able to keep both of those promises and select an extraordinary new superintendent."

For much more on this story, look online later today to gloucestertimes.com, and to tomorrow's print and online editions of the Gloucester Daily Times and gloucestertimes.com.