LORDSTOWN Center's director decides to retire

The longtime director cited health reasons in his retirement decision.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- He's been with Trumbull Career and Technical Center since its beginning, but Michael Piros is calling it quits.
Piros, director of adult education at Trumbull Career and Technical Center since 1991, will retire at year's end.
He started at the center in 1978, teaching high school students and adults, and moved to full-time supervisor of adult programs in 1985.
"There's no question I'll miss it," he said.
Piros listed health reasons for his decision to retire, adding that moving the adult center from the main campus to the former Gordon D. James Center in Lordstown took a toll on him.
"The task was more than anticipated," Piros said.
Piros, also a Bazetta Township trustee, says he'll miss the students and his staff most.
"I've had a nice long relationship with the students here," he said. "Many come back and let me know how they're doing."
He's worked with many dislocated workers, who took classes in the evening to update or enhance their skills.
"I've also enjoyed working with local agencies and community leaders," Piros said. "Working with the students and with business and industry is probably what I enjoyed most."
Looking ahead
He plans to relax in retirement, doing some home improvement projects and maybe some traveling. Piros plans to continue as a township trustee.
"I'll be able to give a little more time to the trusteeship," he said, adding he'll pursue some grants for water and sewer projects.
Piros hopes a smooth transition will be achieved between himself and his successor.
"We've formed a consortium with Kent State, Youngstown State and the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center to assist GM with training for their new car line," he said.
The consortium will work with the automaker's Lordstown complex to update the skills of the work force to prepare for the technology needed for the new product.
"I feel I've been very fortunate in my career to have worked with both high school students and adult students," Piros said.
"I'll miss that interaction with the students. It was difficult to announce my retirement."
dick@vindy.com