The vice principal of a Foster City middle school will become the new principal of Jordan Middle School, the Palo Alto school district announced Friday.

Gregory Barnes, a former life sciences teacher and vice-principal of Bowditch Middle School since 2009, replaces Michael Milliken, who will become director of secondary education for the Palo Alto school district.

Before joining Bowditch in Foster City, Barnes worked for a decade at Burlingame Intermediate School, seven years as a life-sciences teacher and three years as vice principal.

He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and two master's degrees in education, the most recent from San Francisco State University.

"Mr. Barnes impressed the Jordan site committee with his understanding of and commitment to middle school students, his friendly demeanor and his clear interest and researched knowledge of the school," Palo Alto School Superintendent Kevin Skelly said.

"I believe he is a wonderful fit for the Jordan school community and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead."