Document text
Ashland High principal calls it quits By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune ASHLAND - With more struggles than celebrations recently, high school principal Julie Reynolds, who has been with the district for 31 years, has announced her retirement. "I might have gone on a little longer if I had the stamina," she said. "I want my time. I want my quality of life." Reynolds, 58, who started in the district as a half-time student teacher, has endured a year of controversy over the school's drug and alcohol policy and the overturning of the expulsion of debate students suspected of smoking marijuana. While she had planned to retire this year anyway, Reynolds said she might have remained longer if these problems hadn't proved so taxing. "It certainly hasn't enhanced the job," she said. From Klamath Falls originally, Reynolds used to relish a six-day-a-week schedule and 14-hour days, but it has begun to take its toll on her, physically and mentally. "I've had some wear and tear recently," she said. "It's given me some gray hairs." Reynolds has worked as a teacher - she was named outstanding instructor in 1983 - and has taught at the middle school. She came to the high school as assistant principal for six months, then became principal eight years ago. "I've spent my whole educational career in this district, working at every level," she said. Reynolds recognizes that these sorts of problems come with the territory of being an administrator, though she freely admits she no longer has the energy she had just a few years ago. "I wish I wasn't a part of all of that," she said. "I wish that wasn't part of the job." Reynolds regrets leaving the district during the current budget crisis, but says it has weathered similar crises in the past. She plans to continue living in Ashland after her retirement. School board member Amy Amrhein said the district hopes to conduct an outside search for a new principal. However, given the prospect of budget cuts, the district might have to look within its own ranks to avoid the expense of a search. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.