A mainland high school principal with ties to the Vineyard has been picked to lead the Edgartown School after a months-long search.

Vineyard public schools superintendent Richard Smith last week offered the Edgartown job to Kate Campbell, the current Attleboro High School principal. Ms. Campbell, whose family owns homes on the Island, is expected to start on July 1, taking over for interim principal John Stevens.

“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to join the Edgartown School,” Ms. Campbell told the Gazette by email Tuesday. “It is a very special community and I look forward to being a part of it.”

Kate Campbell has long ties to the Vineyard. — Courtesy Attleboro High School

Ms. Campbell was one of three finalists for the job. The other two were Deborah DeBettencourt, a 32-year veteran of the Edgartown School who is wrapping up her first year as school assistant principal, and Justine DeOlivieria, the current assistant principal at the regional high school.

Ms. Campbell’s experience as a principal and the glowing praise from her colleagues pushed her to the top of the list, Mr. Smith said.

“People at her school described her as transformational . . . One person said ‘She makes me want to be a better educator,’” he said. “You don’t hear those things often.”

Ms. DeBettencourt will be staying on as assistant principal, the superintendent said. Pairing her deep roots in the community with Ms. Campbell’s history as a leader will be a win for the school, he added.

“Kate’s experience in the principal position and the tools she has built over many years and Debbie’s knowledge of the school community and the trust she has built over many years make for a very strong administration team,” he wrote in a letter that went out to parents.

Ms. Campbell’s parents have a home in Edgartown, one of her siblings has a house in Oak Bluffs and she has stayed in a winter rental in the past. This familiarity with the Island helped with the choice, Mr. Smith said.

“Even in February, she’s here,” he said. “There’s a connection.”

All initial 12 applicants were reviewed in January by a search committee madeup of 10 Edgartown school staff members, a member of the school committee, parents who have students in the English language learners program, PTA members, town financial advisory committee members, another principal and a representative from the Vineyard’s NAACP chapter and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).

The three finalists visited the school for a full day where they were asked questions by staff, parents and students. In March, nine of the committee members visited each finalist in their current place of work to get a sense for their leadership.

Though there may be some hesitancy about a newcomer to the school, Mr. Smith felt that staff would be supportive of Ms. Campbell.

“Sometimes there’s a little anxiety,” he said. “That’s natural.”

He thinks Ms. Campbell and Ms. DeBettencourt will work well together and help the school, which has seen parental concerns in recent years, thrive.

“I’m super excited about this administrative team,” he said.

The district will now enter contract negotiations with Ms. Campbell.