After working in education for 39 years, Mick Lowe has decided to retire.
     Lowe wanted to work in education when he was in high school, as he liked school and thought teaching was one of the coolest things you can do. He enjoys working with younger people, and decided that teaching is what he wanted to do.
     Lowe started in education in 1968 at Highland Park as a student teacher. His first teaching job, though, was at Perry High School where he taught the sciences and was coach for track and cross-country. He then went to teach at Shawnee Heights junior high school where he taught biology and coached basketball.
     He eventually became the Shawnee Heights athletic director. After that, he became the Burlingame principal, and later became the Lawrence West Junior High principal. After being the principal for Lawrence West, he became the Topeka West principal, and has held his position for 6 years.
     The reason for Lowe retiring is that he thinks someone else should take the reins of being the principal, as he has done it for almost 4 decades. He believes someone with more stamina should do it. Plus, he would like to spend more quality time with his family.
     “I will miss a lot of things about Topeka West, the excitement of school life, being able to walk into classrooms and talk to kids, and being apart of all the good things on this campus,” Lowe said.
     Lowe’s future plans include spending time with his grandkids, and traveling. He may also work with teachers who want to be principals and teach them.
    The district is currently in the interview process for Lowe’s replacement. The decision could be made this month.