Dr. Cindy Ranii, superintendent of the Los Gatos­Saratoga Joint Union High School District, announced that McCulloch, the Los Gatos High School principal since 1998, will retire on June 30--having served in education for 37 years.

"I've been thinking about it for awhile, and it just seemed like the thing to do," McCulloch said. "I'm close to 60. It's time to do some other things."

As for what those "other things" are, McCulloch said she hopes to continue working in education and mentoring new teachers, spending time with her family members and playing bridge. But she'll still come back to Los Gatos High to visit.

"I love education," she said. "I've been doing it my whole career. I love the kids. I love this age--the teenage years. I love working with teachers on curriculum and instruction, and it's fun to bring in new teachers and watch them grow."

McCulloch's contributions to the school, the district and the community have made their mark. She has been an advocate for students and a great champion for the faculty and staff, according to Ranii. The school district has started a search process to fill the principalships at both Saratoga and Los Gatos high schools for the 2005­06 school year.

The process will include input from students, staff, parents and the community. For details on how to provide input, contact Dee Towner at 408.354.2520, ext. 237 or dtowner@lgsuhsd.org. Applications are being accepted, and the closing date is March 11.