LITCHFIELD — The local school district has selected a new superintendent to succeed Elaine Cutler, who will retire at the end of the school year.

Brian Cochrane, now an assistant superintendent and director of accountability and assessment for the Nashua School District, was unanimously chosen by the school board for the post.

“At each phase of the interview process, Dr. Cochrane has demonstrated unparalleled understanding of the educational process and the underlying data which will be used to improve education in Litchfield,” said John York, school board chairman. “His vision and understanding of the changes needed throughout the district will benefit the students, teachers, administrators and citizens.”

In a statement, York said school officials are looking forward to working with Cochrane as he joins the district. Cochrane has a bachelor's degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, a master of education degree from St. Mary's University, also in Halifax, and his doctoral degree from Dalhousie University.

“I am very pleased to have been selected as the next superintendent of the Litchfield School District, and I would like to thank the Litchfield School Board for the opportunity,” Cochrane said in the release. “I am looking forward to discussions with the Litchfield staff, administration and community about how to work together to build an even brighter future for our students.”

He began his career as a teacher in Nova Scotia. During his nearly 20 years of teaching, he held a variety of positions with the Halifax Regional School Board, teaching courses including integrated science, chemistry and biology. He also served one year as a curriculum advisor before working with the Department of Education in Nova Scotia consulting on science curriculum, according to a release.

He previously worked as an assistant professor in Missouri before coming to work at Southern New Hampshire University, where he served as the associate vice president of academic affairs. Most recently, Cochrane has been serving as an assistant principal in Nashua.

The other two finalists for the superintendent's position were Trevor Ebel, superintendent of SAU 63 in Wilton and Lyndeborough, and Mary Ellen Ormond, associate superintendent of the Hudson School District.

Cochrane will begin his new duties July 1.

Cutler, who has served as the superintendent of schools for SAU 27 since 2007, was recently named the New Hampshire Superintendent of the Year for 2012. Cutler had planned to retire two years ago, but changed her mind following the death of her husband in January 2010.

Last year, with the district facing a $2 million loss in state funding, Cutler again postponed her retirement to help the schools cope with the budget reduction.