Two more East County principals to retire

Two more East County principals announced their retirement. 

Nancy High of Nolan Middle School and Myra Russell of Gene Witt Elementary School joined Linda Nesselhauf of Lakewood Ranch High School in announcing they will retire effective June 30. 

High has been the principal at Nolan since 2006.

Before that, she worked as an administrator and home economics teacher at Manatee High School. 

“I think it’s a good time (to retire) because I am getting older and I want to spent quality time with my four young grandchildren,” High said. “Nolan is an extremely wonderful school in a great community that people seek out. I hope I’ve put a lot of great programs in place. I am blessed to have become an educator. I can’t imagine loving a career more than this.” 

Russell, who has spent 44 years in education, has been the principal of Gene Witt since 1995. 

Prior to her service at Gene Witt, Russell was a teacher for 22 years in Pennsylvania and Florida and an assistant principal for four years. 

"It's bittersweet," Russell said. "You just know it's time. It's time for some new blood. While I'm still healthy, I want to travel. When I first came to Witt, it was the only school out east. I've watched Lakewood Ranch and the whole community evolve. But the kids don't change. They're the same every year. They have the same smiles. I will miss them."

Nesselhauf informed her staff at a meeting Wednesday that she is also retiring.  

See more on this story in the March 27 East County Observer. 

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].