Sharen Steele, principal at New York School for 15 years, will retire at the end of the school year.

Steele announced her decision in a news release issued Friday by the school district.

“New York School has been my passion for the past 15 years,” Steele said. “I cherish the students, parents and staff and the wonderful hearts they have. I chose to work at New York because of my love for the school community. It’s a special place.”

Steel previously had served as principal in Leavenworth and Onaga.

The district said it will begin a search for a new principal. It already has started a search to replace David Theilen, who announced earlier this month he would resign as principal of Schwegler School.