The Centennial school board has selected Brian Dietz, currently the superintendent of schools in Waseca, Minn., to be the district's next superintendent.

Dietz was chosen Tuesday night after a second round of finalist interviews. He will succeed Keith Dixon, who has been interim superintendent of the north metro district since July 2011.

A board-appointed advisory committee interviewed Dietz and five other candidates last week to narrow the field.

Dan Huffman, an advisory committee member and head of business services for the district, said the committee recommended Dietz because it felt that his experience could best help Centennial achieve its priorities.

"We liked his enthusiasm, and his experience in the strategic planning process," Huffman said.

He also cited Dietz's "familiarity with the teacher evaluation process."

Before going to Waseca, Dietz was the superintendent at the Helendale School District in California, and he has worked as a principal and teacher at several schools.

He holds degrees from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.

His contract will be finalized at the March 18 school board meeting. He will start in July, when Dixon is to retire.

KEVIN BURBACH