EAST PROVIDENCE — A Middletown High School administrator will be the next principal of the state’s largest high school.

The School Committee on Wednesday unanimously chose Janet Sheehan to lead East Providence High School. She succeeds Caroline Caswell, who was promoted to assistant superintendent earlier this year, and will be the fifth principal, interim or permanent, at the school since 2006.

Sheehan has been the associate principal of teaching and learning at Middletown High School since July 2004. She is responsible for ensuring that students meet graduation requirements, scheduling and complying with state and federal mandates for school performance. Previously, she was the director of guidance at Providence’s Central High School for 15 years. She also has been a special-education teacher.

She holds a master’s degree in education from Providence College and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Johnson & Wales University.

“My big concern is moving the high school to the next level of academics,” Supt. Mario Cirillo said prior to the appointment. He said Sheehan “brings a wealth of experience and knows the work that needs to be done. She also understands the direction we are going in.”

Lonnie Barham, the district’s chief operating officer, said 21 people applied for the job. All were external candidates except John O. Craig Jr., one of three assistant principals at the high school. Craig, a former president of the Charlestown Town Council, was one of two assistant principals at Providence’s Adelaide High School before being hired by East Providence last year.

Caswell and Barham narrowed the field to six, based on their resumés. Then an interview panel of students, teachers, parents, school administrators and residents met with the six. Barham said one applicant dropped out at that time and the panel trimmed the list to three.

A second panel — with different people, but representing the same groups — picked Craig and Sheehan as the finalists. Cirillo interviewed them both and chose Sheehan based on her experience. He said 9 of the 11 members on the second interview panel chose Sheehan as well.

“She was the overwhelming first choice by the committee,” Cirillo said.

A contract is being negotiated. The School Department advertised the post with a salary range of $93,805 to $104,665 a year. Caswell’s salary at the time she was promoted was $104,665.

apina@projo.com