Once a coach and English teacher, Phyllis Textor, principal at Coupeville Middle and High School, has worn a variety of hats in her 25-year career on Central Whidbey Island.

However, there won’t be a 26th year in the Coupeville School District. Textor is resigning at the end of the school year and heading to Bellingham where she will be the next principal of Sehome High School.

“I’ve sort of been thinking for the past couple of years that I needed a new challenge,” Textor said about her decision to take the new job.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Textor. When she first started teaching, Textor completed her student teaching at Sehome High School.

Textor started working for the Coupeville School District in 1980 as an English and physical education teacher. She also coached girls basketball and volleyball. She eventually became athletic director and, after earning her principal’s credential, was named middle school principal in 1994.

She said the most rewarding part of her job is when former students come back for a visit and say thanks, as occurred when Textor recently enjoyed dinner with a graduate.

She recently heard from two students who graduated in the late 1980s. After becoming successful businessmen, they wanted to set up a scholarship fund for students.

“That’s the kind of story you want to hear,” Textor said.

Textor’s efforts have helped improve the school considerably.

She coordinated the Gates Grant, which provided $268,000 to the middle and high school. That grant helped pay for the development of several educational programs and the purchase of up-to-date computer equipment.

One of the biggest challenges she faced working in a small school school district was providing courses that challenge upper end students while providing remedial students the help they need to pass the WASL, Textor said.

Textor became principal of both schools in 2001. During her time working for the Coupeville School District, she has seen five superintendents and seven principals come through the doors. She also saw the demolition of a classroom building and an expansion of the middle school into its current building.

“I enjoyed the interaction between teachers, parents and students,” Textor said.

Even though she currently lives in La Conner, Textor plans on moving to Bellingham. She also chose to work in Bellingham because it’s a college town, it’s on the water, close to everything and it’s an open-minded, liberal town.

“It’s really a lot like here,” Textor said.

With Textor’s resignation, the Coupeville school officials are looking for a replacement. Officials are splitting her position into two positions.

The Coupeville School Board named Dave Ebersol middle school principal. A high school principal should be named in early June.