LEWISTON – Months after health problems forced him to leave work, longtime Lewiston High School Assistant Principal John Bouchles has retired.

The school system is now searching for his replacement.

Bouchles, who worked at the school for 28 years, had heart surgery in the spring, said Principal Patrick O’Neill.

He remained on medical leave for the rest of the school year and announced his retirement this summer.

The school system is looking for a new assistant principal. Officials hope to have that person in place by the time school opens next week.

Lewiston High School serves about 1,300 students. With Bouchles’ retirement, it has one principal and two assistant principals.