As the end of the 2014-2015 school year draws near, the senior class of 2015 won’t be the only ones who will be departing from North Harford. Principal Ed Herbold has announced his retirement after 40 years of teaching, ministry and administrative work.
Herbold started his career in teaching 40 years ago as a music teacher at Hickory Elementary school. According to Herbold, he never wanted to be a teacher but rather a minister, and even took a nine year break from teaching to do so. He soon found it takes a "special person" to be in the ministry full-time, and it wasn’t for him.
Herbold returned to teaching and was eventually announced to be North Harford’s principal at the 2010 graduation ceremony.
“Dr. Tomback introduced me as the principal of North Harford High School and everybody stood up and cheered,” Herbold stated. "It was amazing, I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be the principal of a high school."
Although a monumental moment, Herbold wished his mom and dad could have been there to see their son receive such an honor.
After receiving news that his wife was seriously ill in October 2014, Herbold decided to the time for retirement was now so that he could enjoy life with her.
Over the last five years Herbold has worked diligently not only to better NH but the students and faculty within. He has made priceless relationships which he says he will “miss dearly” as he moves south to North Carolina.
“I have this heart for kids that have been dumped on in life, and there’s a lot of that here at North Harford, and when they come to school I want someone to care about them, I care about them,” Herbold stated.
“Mr. Herbold really put his heart and soul into this school for the years he was here. I think that everyone will really miss him and seeing his smile everyday,” senior Noah League stated.
As Herbold departs he is leaving with a few concerns in regards to the treatment of the teachers.
“I am concerned about our teachers not getting treated the way they should and the compensation they should have gotten. I am especially concerned for our young teachers who were anticipating increases in their pay,” Herbold stated.
Herbold is unsure of who his replacement will be but is hoping they have the heart for young people as he does. Additionally Herbold says he wishes his successor to be a “little stronger instructionally” and that they will be willing to empower students just like he has.
Sad to leave NH, Herbold anticipates to move down to North Carolina and continue his hobby of golf, spend quality time with his wife, and restart with his music. Although he may be moving, Herbold won’t stay away for long. He plans to visit often as his family, friends and the school he loves so very much are all located right in Harford County.
