Mary Alice O’Neill has been named the interim principal of Bainbridge High School for the 2014-15 school year, the Bainbridge Island School District announced Tuesday.

“I’m excited to fill this important role,” O’Neill said. “I believe we have one of the finest high schools in the state. I’m looking forward to working with the amazing students, the talented and caring staff as well as the supportive parent community.”

O’Neill replaces Jake Haley, who accepted a new job as principal of Costa Mesa High School in Newport-Mesa School District in California.

O’Neill has worked in the past as associate principal of Bainbridge High and principal of Woodward Middle School. She will start her new job at BHS on July 1.

“We’re thrilled to have Mary Alice rejoin the district in this critical role,” said Superintendant Faith Chapel. “She is a skilled and experienced principal and understands the needs of our district.”

District officials said O’Neill has served as an educator for more than 30 years in South Kitsap, California and Kuwait. Her most recent job was as a teacher on special assignment focusing on the alignment of curriculum with Common Core State Standards for the Bainbridge Island School District.

O’Neill has a bachelor of arts degree and master’s degree in education from College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.