By DAVID SVIEN

Special to the News-Times

After a decade on the job, Paul Lagerstedt is retiring as South Whidbey High School’s athletic director.

The change was listed on the consent agenda for Wednesday’s school board meeting and his last day of employment will be June 30.

Lagerstedt, who is also an assistant vice principal, arrived at SWHS in 2015, after putting in 17 years at Thomas Jefferson High School in Auburn.

Along with being an athletic director, he has also worked as an English teacher and basketball coach.

That included a 10-year stint working with Mercer Island’s Ed Pepple, the winningest high school hoops coach in Washington state history.

During his time at South Whidbey, Lagerstedt worked closely with Coupeville High School Athletic Director Willie Smith, who said the friendly Falcon will be greatly missed.

“Paul has become one of my closest circle of ADs (athletic directors), and more importantly, a good friend,” Smith said. “Such a high caliber of a person: ethical, high character, even-keeled, knowledgeable and passionate about his school and students.”

“South Whidbey will certainly have a tough time replacing him,” he added.