Bainbridge Island has found its new principal for Bainbridge High — in southwest Michigan.
School district officials announced late Wednesday that Duane Fish will take over as the new principal at BHS on July 1.
Fish is currently the principal of Lawrence Jr./Sr. High School in Lawrence, Mich.
District officials said the search was extensive. It started last October, as Bainbridge began looking for a permanent replacement for Interim Principal Mary Alice O’Neill, and was extended several times earlier this year.
The search process included surveys of BHS leadership students, staff and parents on what qualities were needed for the Spartans’ next leader.
The search concluded with a site visit, student tours and multiple interviews, according to the district.
“To be selected as the next principal of Bainbridge High School is truly an honor,” Fish said. “Please know I fully recognize the trust and responsibility the district and community members have placed upon me with this hiring. Bainbridge High School is one of the top academic institutions in the nation, and the Bainbridge Island community is one of the best places in America to live and work.
“Although I am forever grateful for my experience in Lawrence, it is with tremendous enthusiasm I look forward to working with the amazing staff, students and parents at Bainbridge High,” he added. “This Michigan Wolverine is proud to become a Spartan.”
Committee members who participated in the search said it was a good one and finished with a fine choice.
“I went into the principal selection process simply as a parent with a freshman and senior in the high school,” said committee member Thomas Ahearne. “But I came out as a citizen deeply impressed with the high school teachers, staff and administrators I worked with. They consistently demonstrated an unrelenting dedication to and focus on the education and well-being of our kids.”
“Duane Fish’s record demonstrated that he has the drive, energy and leadership skills needed to make Bainbridge High School even better—not just for some, but better for all students,” Ahearne added. “I’m excited about his being my son’s principal for the next three years.”
“The selection process was transparent, incredibly thorough and included everything from student interviews and tours to administrative fact-finding,” noted BHS math teacher Marilyn Tsolomitis, who served on the interview committee. “I am confident we have found a dynamic, strong leader in Duane Fish.”
Fish’s interest in a career in education began in Seattle where he served as a facilitator for a middle-school program. This experience led Fish to pursue a master’s degree in the Flint Educational Administration program at the University of Michigan. After becoming the principal of Lawrence Jr./Sr. High in 2012, Fish led a dramatic turn-around in student achievement and school ranking, according to Bainbridge school officials. Parents, staff members and administrative colleagues describe Fish as a highly collaborative, visionary leader who has been an inspiration to students, staff and the community.
The school district also noted that Fish has successful experience in classroom instruction, grant writing, and curriculum development, implementation and evaluation.
“I’m really excited about this next chapter for Bainbridge High School,” said Chris Thomas, BHS band director and an interview committee member. “I think Mr. Fish will be an excellent leader for our school.”
The school district said students, staff and parents will have opportunities to meet the new principal during visits the district will schedule to take place this spring.
