The acting principal of Parkland High School was hired Monday night by the Bethlehem Area School Board to become the new principal of Liberty High School, according to published reports.

Harrison Bailey III, will take the reins of Liberty from JoAnn Durante, who is retiring at the end of this academic year after 32 years in the district.

Bailey had been filling in for Principal Howard Lessel, who was on medical leave from Parkland since January. Lessel officially resigned from Parkland last week.

"We are fortunate to recruit a person known across the Lehigh Valley as a leader who puts students first, as a leader known for personal integrity, and as a leader who reached out to the community for the good of students," Bethlehem Area School Superintendent Joseph Roy said in an Express Times article.

The job will pay Bailey $116,075 a year, beginning on July 1.

“School Districts have the right to hold on to its staff for 60 days after they resign,” said Nicole McGalla, director of community relations for Parkland. “So [Mr. Bailey] will finish out the school year, and a search for a new principal will be underway.”

Bailey is a graduate of Lafayette College with a bachelor's degree in anthropology and sociology.  He also holds a master’s from Lehigh University in Special Education. He received his principal certificate by completing his program at Lehigh University.

He has also been a competitor at the Celtic Classic Highland Games in Bethlehem.

Bailey has been an assistant principal at the high school for 10 years and previously was dean of students.