GROVE CITY — Grove City High School principal Joe Skibinski may be retiring, but he says this isn't the end of his career as an educator — it's the beginning of a new chapter.

Skibinski, originally from Braddock, Allegheny County, started his life in education in 1979 when he became an English teacher at Grove City High School. He remained there for 10 years, worked in other districts, and then returned in 1999 when he became the principal.

"We have incredible kids here and that's the reason my career took the path that it did," Skibinski said. "I came back to Grove City because of the kids and the teachers here. It's a very special place."

Previously, Skibinski worked at the Keystone Education Center, where he became the assistant principal.

He also was the principal of Slippery Rock Middle School for three years.

Skibinski's last day with the Grove City School District is July 31.

Skibinski is especially proud of Grove City High School's PSSA test scores. About 95 percent of Grove City's students are proficient in writing. Last year, 11th graders ranked 11th in the state in mathematics out of 501 school district's test scores.

About 85 percent of Grove City High School students go to college.

Skibinski also said one of his greatest accomplishments has been starting dual enrollment programs with Butler County Community College, Edinboro University and California University of Pennsylvania.

"We estimated last year that we have saved over $300,000 worth of tuition as a result of these programs," Skibinski said.

Skibinski said his career has come full circle as he encounters the next generation of students in the adjunct courses he teaches at BC3 today.