Patricia Blix, who has been appointed as interim principal of Mercer Island High School, effective Nov. 4, will meet with high school parents on Tuesday, Nov. 15, beginning at 7 p.m. in the library at a PTSA fall membership meeting.

For parents and others who prefer a daytime meeting, Blix will be available to greet parents on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 9:30 a.m. during a PTSA coffee in the library presentation room.

Blix, a retired education administrator, was appointed by superintendent Gary Plano, after the resignation of principal John Harrison. Harrison took a job in administration with the Bellevue School District.

Blix has 18 years of experience in secondary administration. She served as longtime middle school principal in the Renton School District. Blix also served in international schools as a secondary principal in Israel, England and the Philippines.

Blix was an interim principal at West Mercer Elementary from 2006 until 2008. Many of the freshmen and sophomore students at MIHS, and parents, already know Blix from her leadership at West Mercer.

Blix is presently studying Spanish on a study trip to Guatemala.

Craig Olson is the acting principal until Blix arrives.

Superintendent Gary Plano intends to work closely with the high school staff and students, the parent community, and his management team to begin the search process for the next high school principal, whose planned start date is July 1, 2012.