The search for a new principal for the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School has been narrowed to eight semi-finalists, assistant superintendent Richard Smith confirmed this week.

Mr. Smith, who heads the search committee, said following interviews in December, three to four finalists will be named in early January.

This will be the second new principal in two years. Gil Traverso, a new hire last year, resigned his post in early August after less than a year on the job. Former longtime high school principal Margaret (Peg) Regan has been serving as interim principal this year.

Mr. Smith said once the finalists are named, the high school will host each candidate for one day during a week of site visits.

“It will be pretty public,” said Mr. Smith. “The biggest part is we’ll have parents come in and a mechanism for feedback.”

The committee hopes to make a final recommendation by early February.