Changing of the Guard at East Middle School

will have a new principal next year with the retirement of Peter DeRubeis.

Assistant Principal Annalee Bennin will replace DeRubeis, who is leaving after six years. DeRubeis said during Monday's School Board meeting that it's been "a privilege and an honor" to serve in Oak Creek and praised the school's students and staff.

"It's been fun," DeRubeis said. "There hasn't been a day I haven't enjoyed going to work."

School Board members lauded DeRubeis for helping ensure a smooth transition when the school opened in 2008.

"You helped create this school that was just a vision awhile ago," School Board member Paul Mason said during Monday's board meeting, "and you've really helped set the stage for success."

DeRubeis oversaw a large middle school, with more than 930 students attending this year. He said that while growth in the Oak Creek-Franklin School District can cause challenges, it's better than the other way around.

"It's a problem to have a lot of kids, but it's a good problem," he said.

DeRubeis also said the district made the right choice in naming assistant Bennin to replace him, saying she will build on East's success.