West Junior High School’s principal of 18 years Thursday revealed plans to retire from the Lawrence district at the end of the school year.

Mick Lowe, who started his 32-year career as a science teacher at Perry High School, said he might explore opportunities to be a superintendent.

“I’m still eager to work,” he said. “I like the work. I’m interested in looking at a superintendency. It’s kind of up in the air.”

Lowe, 56, has been at West, 2700 Harvard Road, for 22 years. He was an assistant principal before assuming the top job.

He said West benefited from a learning community supported by teachers, parents and students.

“Kids are learning, happy and safe. If I’ve had some small piece of that, what a terrific legacy,” Lowe said.

Supt. Randy Weseman considers Lowe a good friend. They worked together at West as assistant principals, and both went on to be junior high principals in Lawrence. Weseman was at South; Lowe at West.

“Mick’s leadership among the administrative team and his presence as a mentor to new principals have been important to the growth of our organization,” Weseman said.

West Junior High ninth-grader Benson Birdcreek, left, talks with Principal Mick Lowe in a school hallway. Lowe on Thursday announced he was retiring in June after 18 years at the helm at West, 2700 Harvard Road.

The search for Lowe’s replacement begins immediately.

Dick Patterson, the principal of Lawrence High School, also is retiring at the end of this year.

Lowe said he wasn’t counting days until he leaves West for the final time.

“Actually, it’s just the opposite,” he said. “I really look forward to every day, and I always have. I’m going to value every day until June 30. I’ve been lucky I’ve been in a job that’s given me more than I’ve given it.”

Lowe taught at Perry High School, Shawnee Heights Junior High and Burlingame High School before coming to Lawrence. He also was a coach at Perry, activities director at Shawnee Heights and principal in Burlingame.