Brent Peterson will step down as principal of Bainbridge High  at the end of the school year.

Peterson announced his impending retirement to staff at the school early Monday.

He has been the principal at Bainbridge High for almost 10 years, and has spent 32 years at different posts in Bainbridge Island schools. His began his education career as an elementary school teacher in Oregon, and has worked for 39 years in schools.

In a letter to parents sent Monday evening, Peterson said he was thankful for his time at BHS.

“I must say that the last nine, soon to be 10, years as principal at Bainbridge High School have been an incredibly rewarding experience for me,” Peterson wrote.

“The opportunity to be surrounded by talented educators, motivated and creative students and parents who truly value the importance of public education has been both humbling and inspiring on a daily basis,” he added. “We are all very fortunate to be a part of this vibrant and challenging learning community.”

Peterson said he was announcing his retirement early so the school district would have more time for finding a replacement.