The Norwin school board is expected to name a varsity head coach for girls' soccer next week.

There are seven candidates, including Dana Ferry.

Mr. Ferry, the head coach for nine years and a frequent target of disgruntled parents, had his position opened by an 8-1 vote of the board in November. He applied for his old job and was one of eight people interviewed.

"The school district received more than 20 applications for the position. The interview process is over," board President Robert Perkins said this week.

"We have considered the issues presented and reviewed the selection committee's findings. The board will appoint a head girls' soccer coach Monday night.

"Further delay in resolving the coaching situation could adversely affect an already successful program."

A draft of the proposed agenda for next week's meeting, approved by directors this week, includes the hiring of a head coach.

"Our committee reviewed the applications then selected eight candidates for interviews, but one withdrew," Superintendent Dr, Jack Boylan said.

Director Tom Sturm said: "Coach Ferry has been involved with the Norwin girls' varsity soccer program for 18 years, as an assistant and head coach. His experience alone makes him deserving of an interview."

Mr. Sturm was the only director who voted against opening the position three months ago.

Mr. Ferry had a 164-39-7 record as Norwin's head coach. But, for a few years, he has been in the middle of a swirling controversy pitting his supporters against a group of parents pushing for his ouster.

A group of current team members and their parents are behind him. And girls' soccer head coaches from Upper St. Clair and Hampton high schools attended a Norwin board meeting to support him.

A year ago, disenchanted parents pressed school directors not to retain Mr. Ferry, but the board reappointed him. An attempt to oust him failed to gain sufficient support in 2007.

The preliminary agenda, which can be amended before Monday's meeting, does not include action to appoint a varsity head coach for girls' field hockey.

The previous coach, Wendy Romeo, resigned after Norwin defeated North Allegheny, 3-0, for the WPIAL championship in late October.

Last month, the board appointed Randy Rovesti, the district's director of student activities and transportation, as interim head coach. Ms. Romeo is serving as volunteer assistant to handle physical conditioning of the team.

Meanwhile, directors reviewed several proposed gas well drilling sites on the Norwin High School campus. The sites are expected to be ratified Monday night.

The location of another potential gas well site on district-owned property near new Stewartsville Elementary School, adjacent to the Penn's Woods housing development, has yet to be determined, Dr. Boylan said.

The $16 million school is scheduled to open in late August.