The Augusta Board of Education on Wednesday night approved Paul Vachon as the new athletic director for Cony High School and Hodgkins Middle School. He replaces Dan Bowers who resigned after seven years on the job to pursue an assistant principal’s position.

“I think it’s great he’s getting a chance to be the AD,” Bowers said. “He knows all the kids and the coaches respect him. It should be a great fit.”

Vachon, who has coached the girls varsity basketball team for 23 years and won seven Class A state championships, declined comment on whether he’ll continue his coaching duties. In accepting his new position he will relinquish his English teaching job at Hodgkins.

“I love the classroom, I love the children,” said Vachon who has been a teacher for 29 years. “It’s time to do something different. It’s a great opportunity for me.”