ATTLEBORO - The principals of Attleboro High School and Brennan Middle School will be retiring in June, school committee members were told Monday night.

Donald Frederick, who was appointed high school principal in 2006, and Richard George, who spent the last five years at Brennan, were on hand to formally announce their retirements following meetings with their respective staffs.

Frederick, who taught biology and special needs in Attleboro for 18 years, will be capping a 38-year education career. George's career spans 41 years.

"It's been a fun ride," said Frederick, who was previously a high school principal in Rhode Island. "But after 38 years, I believe it's time."

George said he has had a "great stay" in Attleboro as an educator, which also included several years administering the continuing education program. "I've had the opportunity to work with the greatest group of people," he said.

Both school administrators have had to face up to challenges as tight budgets and ever-more-stringent statewide standards posed difficulties for principals and staffs.

Under George, Brennan became a model for meeting state educational standards.

Frederick - who inherited a school on accreditation warning status - and his staff managed to whittle down deficiencies and implement moves calculated to offer students greater guidance and support.

Superintendent Pia Durkin said the school department will begin advertising immediately for successors to the two men.

She said the school department will also be sending letters to staff and parents soliciting volunteers to serve on committees that would help screen candidates.