A special education director from New York has accepted an offer to lead the Edgartown School as its new principal next year. Shelley Einbinder-Fleischmann will succeed longtime principal John Stevens in the post, superintendent of schools Dr. Matthew D’Andrea announced in a letter to the Edgartown School community Thursday afternoon.

Ms. Einbinder-Fleischmann was a teacher for 16 years before becoming an administrator nearly 20 years ago. Most recently she has been director of special education for an education cooperative in New York, overseeing services for more than 380 students and managing a $35 million budget according to her resume provided by Mr. D’Andrea. She holds a doctor of education in educational leadership and a master of professional studies in staff development from Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. She also owns a home on the Vineyard.

Ms. Einbinder-Fleischmann visited the Edgartown School on March 5 to meet with students, staff and parents.

“She demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of school climate and the connection to student achievement,” Mr. D’Andrea’s letter reads in part.

There were more than 15 applications for the position. A search committee comprised of teachers, parents and community members narrowed the field to three finalists including Ms. Einbinder-Fleischmann. All three visited the school and participated in a public forum. The other finalists were Edgartown School teacher Kate Lefer and Maryland private school director of learning Shaun Johnson.

Mr. Stevens, a graduate of both the Edgartown school and the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, will retire at the end of June after serving as principal for 12 years. He returned to the Island after a 30-year career rising through the ranks of school administration in southern Florida.