Nahant Public Schools announced the two finalists to be the district’s next superintendent on Friday.

Either Dr. Robert Gerardi or Robert Liebow will be chosen to succeed Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi, who is retiring on July 1.

The two were selected by an 11-person screening committee that consisted of Nahant parents, teachers, and other community members.

Gerardi earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from Boston College. His teaching career began locally, with experience in the school districts of both Swampscott and Lynn. He currently serves as the superintendent of schools of the New Shoreham School Department in Rhode Island.

Liebow graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in biology. His career in education began in Maine, where he eventually served as principal and superintendent of the Mount Desert Island Regional School System.

School Committee Chair Patricia Karras led the screening committee and explained why Gerardi and Liebow were selected as the finalists for the position.

“It’s really important to us that this individual is a hands-on person,” Karras said. “And it’s wonderful that both of these candidates have been teachers and have been principals and have led small school districts.”

She said that small school districts present their own unique set of challenges. Karras expressed gratitude toward her fellow screening-committee members for their participation and commitment.

The final interviews for the position will be held publicly on March 25 and 26.

“The candidates will be invited to spend an entire day in Nahant,” Karras said.

Once the interviews are completed, Karras expects the School Committee to make a final decision quickly.