After a nationwide search and interviews with nearly two dozen candidates, Carroll County school officials will announce the system's new superintendent this morning.

The Board of Education conducted focus groups, asking residents what they wanted in a superintendent and developed a profile based on those qualities.

"Residents were all over the map with the attributes," said Carey Gaddis, schools spokeswoman. "They wanted someone trustworthy and loyal with a good knowledge of Carroll County and Maryland, as well as good instruction and academic skills."

Superintendent Charles I. Ecker, who plans to retire at the end of this academic year, was involved in some meetings, she said. Ecker, a former Howard County executive, became interim superintendent 10 years ago and restored order to a system reeling from the resignation of William Hyde, who was eventually imprisoned on child sexual abuse charges.

Ecker was named superintendent in 2002 and has built a reputation for openness and candor.

Once the board had developed a profile, members relied on assistance from HYA, a national search firm based in Chicago. Ultimately. 22 candidates applied for the position that pays $180,000 annually. The superintendent oversees more than 27,000 students in 42 schools.

The announcement will be made at 10 a.m. at the administration headquarters.