VALPARAISO | Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Michael Benway has put his hat into the ring for the superintendent's job of Carmel Clay Schools in Carmel, Ind., Valparaiso School Board President Mary Idstein said Wednesday.

Benway will tour the Carmel schools, participate in a public forum and have a second interview with the Carmel Clay board on Thursday, according to a report Wednesday on the Indianapolis Star Web site.

Carmel Superintendent Barbara Underwood announced plans to retire in December.

Benway had told the board of his intention to apply for the Carmel position, Idstein said. He did not talk about the potential starting date, but the board had no intention of standing in his way, she said.

The board appreciated his 20 years of service in Valparaiso, Idstein said.

Benway is the second named finalist for the position, according to the Star. The first is Carmel Clay's assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Contacted by phone, Benway said he was on a tight schedule and would be unavailable until next week.

Carmel Clay Schools enrolled 15,300 students and employed 850 teachers in the 2008-2009 school year. In the same year, Valparaiso Community Schools enrolled 6,400 students and employed 310 teachers.

Per student expenditures are similar. In 2007-08 Valparaiso spent $10,800, compared to $10,700 for Carmel Clay and a state average of $10,400.