Sebring schools chief to retire at end of 2011-12

Staff report

sebring

After 13 years at the helm of Sebring schools, Howard Friend will retire at the end of this school year.

Friend announced his decision at a school board meeting last month.

A 39-year educator, Friend graduated in 1969 from Poland Seminary High School, earning his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1973 and his master’s in 1978. He started as a teacher in Sebring in 1973 and then spent two years as an assistant principal in the United School district and 11 years as an elementary principal in Lisbon.

Friend said he has no plans for retirement.

“Things are going really well here,” he said. “I enjoy the job, enjoy the kids and thought now would be a good time to retire officially.”