COEUR d'ALENE — Coeur d'Alene High School Principal Warren Olson is retiring after spending almost 40 years as an educator and administrator with the district.

Olson, 64, announced his retirement Monday morning to the staff at the high school. He told The Press Sunday the decision to retire comes after a prostate cancer diagnosis and a desire to focus on his health.

"It's been a phenomenal career. But I'm 64 and out the door," Olson said. "I'm at this point where I need to start taking care of myself so, for health reasons, it's time to get out and do that."

Before beginning his career with the Coeur d'Alene School District in 1976, Olson said he never expected to be a teacher. In college, he said he majored in business and even considered working on a minor that would have helped him become a sports broadcaster.

"I took some education classes too and after graduating thought I would student teach for a little bit," Olson added. "Forty-five minutes into my first class I thought 'Oh my gosh I love this, this is what I want to do.' I was hooked and never turned back."

Following his semester student teaching at CHS, Olson completed the school year as the drama teacher. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a teacher, counselor and administrator. Olson completed his career where he began it and has worked as the principal at Coeur d'Alene High School for the last five years.

"I've done it all," he said. "I've never been prouder in my life than when I say I work for the Coeur d'Alene School District."

Olson was asked by The Press if the retirement announcement is at all related to the recent controversy surrounding the high school's decision to not renew the contract of former boys basketball coach Kurt Lundblad.

"Not really, even though the timing looks that way," Olson replied. "It all adds to the stress of the job, but it isn't really the reason. I got to the end of the year and I'm tired and I know I have these health concerns where stress doesn't help."

Olson added he is going out on a high note, and has loved his time in the district.

"We are lucky because we draw an incredible, talented teaching staff because of the area we live in," Olson said. "And the students are just incredible. Every single bit of it, I've loved every single minute of it."

According to information provided to The Press by District Director of Communications Laura Rumpler, Coeur d'Alene High School staff will meet with district officials on Wednesday to receive input and discuss the next steps in the search for Olson's replacement this summer. Rumpler added Olson's official last day of work will be July 12.

"On behalf of the Coeur d'Alene School District, I'd like to thank and commend Warren for 39 years of service," said Superintendent Matt Handelman. "I know from working with him for the last six years that Warren is as dedicated as anyone to the district and to CHS. I have no doubt that he bleeds Viking Blue."