The Italy School Board of Trustees named Jaime Velasco as Lone Finalist in its superintendent search at a called meeting Tuesday evening.

The board met in executive session for about 20 minutes before reconvening into open session to name the lone finalist.

Cheryl Owen made the motion to name Velasco the finalist with a second from Sal Ramirez. The motion passed unanimously.

Velasco is Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction and Special Programs at Rosebud-Lott ISD. Velasco, his wife and four daughters currently reside in Lorena.

Paul Cockerham, board president, said Velasco is currently working on his doctorate and will graduate in December.

Owen said the board had 35 applicants and interviewed six candidates. They had a second interview with the top three candidates last week.

Two school board members – Mark Stiles and Larry Eubank – were not present at the meeting due to prior commitments. Cockerham said both were supportive of this decision.