SPRINGFIELD HIGH Principal to retire at end of year

The retiring principal started his career at Springfield in 1974.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Ashley Sanders wants to keep Daniel Simcox at Springfield High School one more year.
"At least until I graduate," explained Sanders, a junior at Springfield. "That would be my choice. Once I'm gone, he can go."
Last week, Sanders, a student reporter for the school newspaper, sat across from Simcox in his office at the school in New Middletown, inquiring about his plans.
Simcox recently announced he will retire at the end of the school year.
"But why now?" Sanders asked.
"Because it's time," Simcox quietly replied. "Everyone has to retire sometime. For me, it's the right time."
Background
Simcox started his career at Springfield in 1974, teaching social studies for nine years. He then went to Leetonia High School, where he served as principal for nine years. In 2000, he returned to Springfield and stepped into the high school principal's seat.
"I won't go away entirely," said Simcox. "I'll be around. I can't imagine not being here, not coming and watching the kids playing football or watching them in a play. I want to keep in contact with the kids. Now, it will just be in a different role. Now, I'll be a spectator."
Initially, though, Simcox said, he wants to take a deep breath, relax and see what else he can do with his life. "I've been here so long, in education," he said. "I want to see if I can do something else. I want to see what else I have in me and what else I might be able to contribute."
Meanwhile, Sanders' reality means she and the other juniors will have to spend their senior year at Springfield without Simcox.
"We'll miss him," Sanders said. "He's been very good to all of us. He makes you feel very special."
Replacement
For now, Simcox and Sanders are wondering whether Simcox's replacement will inherit the award-winning student artwork hanging on the walls in the principal's office. One piece was drawn by Sanders.
"Technically, I think it belongs to the school," Simcox said. "I'm going to miss it. I might be lost without it. If I can't take it with me, I might have to come back and visit it once in a while."