ROCHESTER – The principal and assistant principal at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School are swapping roles in July.

Old Colony is bumping up assistant principal Gary Linehan to principal at the beginning of next month. Linehan is succeeding the current principal, J. Michael Parker, who will now serve in Linehan’s former role as an interim until his retirement in October.

Parker has served as Old Colony’s principal for the last six years.

According to an Old Colony press release, Linehan envisions a school that “mirrors the civic institutions of our nation,” where students can be empowered through their education.

Prior to becoming an administrator, Linehan worked as a legislative aid, social studies teacher and athletic coach, according to Old Colony.

Old Colony Superintendent Aaron Polansky said the top priority during the hiring process was to find competent and compassionate people who have an ability to connect with others and be part of a team.

Linehan embodies these qualities, Polansky wrote.

“Mr. Linehan is a caring, patient, and thoughtful educator with a focus on what is best for students, staff, and our Old Colony community,” Polansky wrote. “He is fun loving and reflective in his approach.”

Linehan’s first 100 days will include a listening tour and Linehan will “listen first” to support the Old Colony Community, according to Polansky.