After 17 years as a classroom teacher and 17 years as a principal, Bob Shamberg has decided it's time to pursue other adventures.

In June, he will retire from the Coeur d'Alene School District after serving at four schools, working with hundreds of teachers and impacting thousands of students.

"Bob has been an amazing asset to our district over the years, first as a teacher and in the last 17 years as an outstanding principal. He will be sorely missed," said Superintendent Hazel Bauman.

His career started in 1978, teaching sixth grade in a small town in northern California. Two years later, he and his wife, Kathy, moved to North Idaho where he was hired to teach fourth grade at Hayden Lake Elementary School. He found his niche

teaching fifth grade for many years. He was selected to be part of the staff that opened Hayden Meadows Elementary in 1992. Some of his fondest memories of teaching include producing musicals that allowed his students to perform and be creative.

In 1993, he was hired as principal of Sorensen Elementary, a position he held for 10 years. He is currently in his seventh year as principal of Borah Elementary School.

"My memories are all about connections to kids and families," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of the schools that I have been associated with, and how hard the teachers work and how much they give to make sure kids succeed. I've been fortunate to work with teachers who go the extra mile and who believe every kid can learn, and I encourage that."

Shamberg has no regrets about his 34 years in public education, but knows that he will miss the relationships he has built over the last 32 years in Coeur d'Alene schools. "It's a people business and that's why I've loved it so much. There is nothing better than helping kids solve problems and seeing a smile on a child's face each and every day when I go to work."

His sense of humor has delighted the students and his listening skills have endeared him to staff.

Shamberg has assisted with the annual fifth grade Human Rights Celebration for many years. In 1998, he was named Administrator of the Year by the North Idaho Association of Office Professionals, and in 2008 the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and the Human Rights Education Institute presented him with the Bill Wassmuth Memorial Award as Volunteer of the Year.

He and Kathy have three grown children: Katie, an art director and graphic designer in Boise; Tessa, who works for a mortgage company in Portland, and Michael who lives here and works in retail.

Although he is ending his career in education, Bob doesn't plan to just sit back and relax. He loves the outdoors and sports and will continue to stay active with biking, running and competing in triathlons.

Janet Feiler is a spokeswoman for the Coeur d'Alene School District.