By NATHAN WHALEN

Staff Reporter

The Coupeville School District is losing someone who spent the past 25 years filling a variety of roles, ranging from teacher to principal.

Phyllis Textor, principal at Coupeville Middle and High School, is leaving at the end of the school year. She is moving to Bellingham where she has accepted a position as principal of Sehome High School.

The Coupeville School District is losing a principal who has instituted several notable programs at the secondary school.

“She led us through a major Gates Grant initiative and a number of changes,” Superintendent Bill Myhr said.

In addition to coordinating the $268,000 Gates Grant, Textor implemented a freshman orientation program, a staff dialogue to better talk about common issues, and an advocacy program where students are matched with a teacher.

“She has created a lasting legacy to influence our district for a long time,” Myhr said.

Prior to becoming principal of the middle school and high school in 200l, Textor was middle school principal — a position she held since 1994. In addition to her administrative roles, she was also a PE teacher and coach. She joined the Coupeville School District in 1980.

Textor was out of the area Friday and couldn’t be reached for comment.

With Textor’s resignation, school officials are scrambling to find a replacement. Several meetings are schedule to ensure the community has a voice in deciding Textor’s replacement. A public meeting takes place Tuesday and a special School Board meeting takes place Thursday.

At the Tuesday evening meeting, residents can comment on the qualifications needed for the position. They can also comment on the administration configuration of the Middle School and High School.

Myhr said he hopes to have a replacement named in early June.