Frank Ferry

[KHTS] – After eight years as principal of Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, Santa Clarita City Councilman Frank Ferry said his last day as principal will be Friday.

“I am having a surgery to correct issues from my 2011 health complications,” Ferry said. “The Diocese has graciously allowed me time to prepare and recover from this upcoming procedure. My last day as Alemany’s principal will be Feb. 14. I have complete faith in Ms. Galla and know our staff will continue to provide an excellent educational experience.”

Doctors said the recovery time for a surgery he needs is about eight weeks, so now was the right time to step away.

Ferry, who is not seeking re-election in April after 16 years of serving on Santa Clarita City Council, said there was a confluence of factors involved in his decision, beyond the time he would have to miss over his health concerns.

“Everything’s coming together at one time,” Ferry said. “The kids are going to college out of state, I’m not running for office, so it’s really an opportunity to explore some of those dreams and goals I had when I was younger.”

He mentioned work as a school or municipal consultant, or perhaps joining or starting a legal practice, as a few of his possible paths.

Ferry has spent the last 25 years working in education, which included 8 years at Nobel Middle School, at Saugus High School and, most recently at Alemany.

He said he was looking forward to exploring new career opportunities, but also grateful for his experience as a leader at the private Catholic high school.

“I’m leaving a very positive relationship,” he said. “Alemany is an amazing place to be — I couldn’t ask for better men to be my mentors and my employers.”

On New Year’s Day 2011, Ferry was released from Providence Holy Cross Medical Center after a month’s stay.

Due to complications following pancreatic surgery on Nov. 30, 2010, doctors told Ferry’s family that he had a strong chance of dying.