ARLINGTON – The search for the next Arlington High School prinicpal is down to two candidates after reviewing input from interviews, an online survey, a public forum and reference checks.

The finalists are:

•Christine Hino-josa, interim principal, Arlington High School: Hinojosa has been serving as interim principal since September. She had been working as assistant principal at the high school, then stepped in when Principal Brian Beckley left after six years to take a position with Everett Public Schools. Hinojosa joined the school district after serving as dean of students at Mount Vernon School District after seven years teaching social studies, English, leadership and carrying ASB advisor duties. In 2014, she earned her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Western Washington University. Hinojosa’s leadership style involves being out of the office interacting with students and staff.

•Duane Fish, prinicipal, Bainbridge High School: Fish has served as prinicipal there since July 2015. Prior to that, he was principal of Lawrence Jr./Sr. High School in Lawrence, Mich. His career in education began in Seattle where he served as a facilitator for a middle school program. That stint led him to pursue a master’s degree in the Flint Educational Administraton program at the University of Michigan. Parents, staff members and administrative colleagues have described Fish as a collaborative, visionary leader who has inspired student, staff and the community.

On Monday and Tuesday, on-site visits were made to Arlington and Bainbridge high schools, respectively.

A school board will consider a final recommendation for AHS Principal at its board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 10 after spring break week.