Two interview committees have elected LeAnne Garcia the top candidate to become Durango High School’s new principal.

Garcia’s selection Saturday came after a second round of interviews for which Dan Snowberger, the Durango School District 9-R’s new superintendent, was present.

Garcia, an assistant principal at DHS, would replace Diane Lashinsky, who resigned in April.

At the time, Lashinsky – who was hired at the high school in 2007 and led the school’s transition to the small learning communities from 2008 – said DHS could benefit from new leadership.

The district refused to provide a copy of the resignation letter Lashinsky submitted to the district, citing an exemption to the open-records law for personnel files.

To be officially hired, Garcia’s appointment must be approved by the Durango 9-R Board of Education. The vote is scheduled for the June 5 board meeting.

Neither Garcia nor Lashinsky responded to messages requesting comment.

cmcallister@durangoherald.com