FREEPORT (WIFR) -- Two finalists are getting the chance to meet leaders in the Freeport School District before the school board picks a new superintendent.

After 12 years, Freeport's current Superintendent, Peter Flynn, is retiring at the end of this year. The school board wanted to give both finalists the opportunity to meet and mingle with school administrators and leaders of Freeport Teacher's Union. One did Wednesday night, and the other will Thursday. The board will also hold closed session meetings to do a final interview with each candidate to make sure they're the right fit for Freeport.

Freeport School Board President Gary Maxey says "The ideal candidate is going to be someone who recognizes the needs of the district, closing that student achievement gap, and work with the staff. The staff is a very important part of this district and we all have to get along and succeed and make progress together."

Maxey hopes the board will make a final decision by the end of the month.