Gregg Palmer, principal of Falmouth High School, has been chosen to be principal of Deering High School, according to a release from the Portland School District.

Palmer would replace former Principal Ira Waltz, who retired in June after holding the job for seven years.

Palmer’s nomination now goes to the Portland Board of Public Education for a vote on Aug. 1. Deering High has about 900 students.

“I am confident that Gregg brings the combination of skills and disposition that will allow us to continue Deering’s positive trajectory,” said Portland School Superintendent Xavier Botana. “As Portland’s largest and Maine’s most diverse high school, Deering is a unique setting with enormous potential. I believe Gregg recognizes that potential, and is seeking the unique challenge of leading in the community where he lives.”

Palmer has been principal at Falmouth High since 2010, where the school received the highest standardized test scores of any Maine high school in math and English language arts.

Palmer also previously worked for the Searsport school district, MSAD 56, from 2002 to 2010 as high school and middle school principal and dean of students. He was a special education teacher in the Brewer schools from 1994 to 2002.

Palmer has a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Maine in Orono; a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Iowa; a master’s degree in applied behavioral science in education from Oklahoma State University; and a certificate of advanced study in education from UMaine.