The search for the next Edgartown School principal has been narrowed down to three finalists, with a final decision arriving next week.

Richie Smith, superintendent of Martha’s Vineyard public schools, said a search committee of 20 people reviewed 12 initial applicants for the position in late January. He said the committee will meet on Wednesday to deliberate.

The three finalists include Deborah DeBettencourt, a 32-year veteran of the Edgartown School as guidance counselor who is also wrapping-up her first year as the school’s assistant principal, Justine DeOliveira, the current assistant principal at the regional high school and Kate Campbell, principal of Attleboro High School.

“I think all of these candidates emphasize not only instruction, but the relationships that are necessary to move it forward,” Mr. Smith said.

The new principal replaces John Stevens who has served for the last year as interim principal after Shelley Einbinder-Fleischmann announced her retirement in April 2024. Mr. Stevens had previously served as principal of the school for over a decade.

The search committee is comprised 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).

Each of the three finalists visited the Edgartown school for a full day where they were asked questions by staff, parents and students.

Last week, nine of the committee members visited each finalist in their current place of work to get a sense for their leadership.

“It’s definitely been a comprehensive process,” Mr. Smith said. “We’ve been able to really see the candidates in multiple ways and multiple times.”

Mr. Smith emphasized the importance of selecting a principal who will focus on building a strong community for the students, staff and parents. He said the new principal is tasked with honoring the school’s many traditions and finding opportunities to create their own.

Mr. Smith added that the new principal will inherit the outdoor learning campus project, where the school plans to renovate its existing playgrounds.

Ms. DeBettencourt isn’t the only candidate with experience working at the Edgartown School. Ms. DeOlivereira taught at the school before she moved to the high school, where she taught Spanish and served as the language department chair before taking on her current role of assistant principal.

Mr. Smith said that Ms. Campbell’s parents live on the Vineyard and she has been visiting for many years.

“Fortunately, I feel like we’ve found the right candidates,” Mr. Smith said.