Tri-County Regional Voke School's new principal was promoted from within

FRANKLIN — Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School has promoted its director of student support services to be its next principal.

Dana Walsh will start her new job on July 1. She replaces Michael Procaccini, who is retiring.

"I'm thrilled to be taking the helm of a community that I've been deeply connected to for the last 12 years," Walsh said.

Walsh said her vision for the school going forward is to "continue to develop the vibrant, robust vocational and academic programming which prepares students with a unique skill set that serves them well whether they elect to directly enter the workforce or decide to pursue postsecondary education."

Earlier: Karen Maguire is next superintendent at Tri-County Regional in Franklin

She added that she hopes to "create a positive learning environment that attends to the holistic well-being of students" and to "expand partnerships with the community both in service to students and local economic development."

Karen Maguire, director and superintendent at Tri-County, praised Walsh's experience and accomplishments.

"Her demonstrated commitment to vocational education, and specifically Tri-County, will benefit her in connecting with teachers, parents and students," Maguire said in a statement.

Walsh has experience working with at-risk students

Walsh worked as a school social worker before becoming director of student support services for the last four years.

"Through her previous position at Tri-County, Walsh collaborated with the leadership team in an effort to develop a school improvement plan that incorporated school policies that encompassed the holistic well-being of students," the school's announcement said.

Walsh was charged with leading a weekly multidisciplinary wellness team meeting that helped determine interventions needed for at-risk students. Additionally, she spearheaded initiatives to help create a welcoming environment for students, school officials said.

Walsh brings experience in leadership and management, adolescent development and community engagement and honing a positive learning environment.

Tri-County, at 147 Pond St., was established in 1977. It serves about 1,000 students in grades 9-12 living in Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Dana Walsh picked as principal at Tri-County Regional Voke school