Three finalists have been named for two principal vacancies in the Austin Public School District.

Late last week, the school board named the follow candidates for Neveln and Sumner elementary schools:

Shelia Berger, teacher at Sumner Elementary School in Austin; former director of educational services for the district

Matt Esterby, dean of students at Washburn Elementary School, Bloomington ( Minn. ) Public Schools

Maurna Rome, literacy coordinator at Ogilvie (Minn.) Elementary School, Ogilvie Public Schools; president of the Minnesota Reading Association

Superintendent David Krenz will spend part of his first day with the district today reviewing information from building profiles and interviews to make a decision about hires.

He may select two, one or none of the candidates, said Chris Picha, director of human resources.

The school board, however, has the final stamp of approval, and will likely vote on hires at their next regular meeting Monday.

All four elementaries and Woodson Kindergarten Center will have new principals this school year, with three of them beginning today.

Whomever the district hires this month will replace Jean McDermott, former principal of Neveln and new principal at Woodson; and Edwina Harder, former principal of Sumner and new principal of Southgate Elementary.

Two principals resigned last month: Deb Meyer, principal at Banfield Elementary, and Mark Randall, principal at Southgate. Both have taken positions in other districts.

Jayne Gibson, principal at Woodson, is now principal at Banfield. McDermott will remain in her role as elementary curriculum specialist in addition to serving as principal of Woodson.