The search for the next principal of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School enters a new phase this month, as superintendent Richard Smith begins reviewing job candidates’ applications with the help of a 20-member review committee.

Sean Mulvey, a guidance counselor at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, will be the school’s next principal on an interim basis, Island schools superintendent Richard Smith told the high school committee Monday night.

Sara Dingledy, the principal of Westchester Square Academy in New York city, was named the new principal of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on Friday.

Vineyard school administrators are close to deciding who will be the next regional high school principal. The decision comes amid public criticism over recent hasty departures of two principals.

Principal Jack Rizzo resigned effective Dec. 23, after six months on the job. Megan Farrell, administrator for curriculum and support, will step in as the interim school principal.

Margaret (Peg) Regan, the former longtime principal at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, takes over as interim principal on Monday, following news last week that Gilbert Traverso had resigned the top post.