Hunt for Top Educator Narrows TAMPA (WUSF) - The Florida Board of Education voted unanimously to interview seven semi-finalist recommended by the national firm PROACT Search.

Dr. Earl Lennard retired two years ago as Hillsborough County's school superintendent. Now, he's in the running to become Florida's top educator.

Three Floridians are being considered for the job of Education Commissioner. The others are James Warford, Florida's former Chancellor for K-12, and Dr. Cheri Pierson Yecke, the current K-12 chancellor.

The other four candidates are from out-of state: Dr. William Harner, Deputy of the Chief Executive Office Philadelphia School District; Dr. Joseph Marinelli, Superintendent of New York Supervisory District of Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, Wayne and Yates Counties; Dr. William Moloney, former Colorado Commissioner of Education; Dr. Eric Smith, Senior V.P. for college Readiness, The College Board New York.

During the meeting, board member Donna Callaway voted with the majority to throw out five applicants, including a U.S. Department of Education official, because they missed the July 23rd deadline.

The seven semi-finalists will be interviewed by the board next month in Tampa. © Copyright 2013, WUSF