Struthers principal retiring after 35 years in education

STRUTHERS

With an associate principal as a father, Allison Fuline knew she wouldn’t be getting out of anything, especially at school. He was always watching.

“Many thought, ‘Oh, your dad’s the principal, so you’ll never get in trouble.’ It was the total opposite. I had to be on my best behavior,” she said. “But I enjoyed having him there, being able to be a part of my whole high school experience.”

Allison, a 2007 graduate of Struthers High School, said it wouldn’t have been the same without him. And despite his having an image as a “stern-faced principal,” Joe Fuline Jr. managed to touch the lives of so many others, too, throughout his nearly 25 years in the Struthers City School District — of which he spent close to 10 as a high school administrator.

Simply put, Allison couldn’t be more proud of her dad, whose last day at Struthers was June 28.

But even with 35 years in education behind him, as well as a number of professional accomplishments during that time, Joe Fuline said he’s just grateful to have had that opportunity.

“It’s a little early to decide what I’ll miss the most, but it’s going to be difficult,” he said. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs in teaching, coaching and administrating, but the positives outweigh the negatives. I’m fortunate to have had a job for that long.”

He said he’s also been fortunate to work with and be supported by many great people.

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