BY KASI ADDISON AND JOHN MOONEY
Star-Ledger Staff

The leading finalist to be Newark's next school superintendent headed one of the nation's most notorious school systems -- and still drew positive reviews.

Another is credited with academic gains in a large New England district, but may be best remembered for how he handled an epic snowstorm.

And the third finalist -- the only one from New Jersey -- has no big-city experience but impressed a selection committee with his energy and ideas for transforming Newark's schools.

The three men are on a short list drawn up by a search committee in the bid to succeed outgoing Newark Superintendent Marion Bolden. The process is picking up steam and may be headed to a rapid conclusion.

Each man met Friday with Gov. Jon Corzine and, separately, Newark Mayor Cory Booker inside the city's art museum. Corzine, who has a powerful influence because New Jersey has administered Newark schools since 1995, said afterward he hopes to quickly forward a name to the state Board of Education.

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