Interim Schnell School principal helps kids, staff cope

MR. SMILEY- Ralph Friend is the interim principal at Schnell School. Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum

He's out shaking hands and welcoming students, staff and parents to school every morning, greeting the buses and trying to start every child's day off with a smile.

Ralph Friend retired from a career as an educator and adminstrator in July 2010, but after the death of Sam LaCara, principal of Louisiana Schnell School on Feb. 2, Friend was asked by El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vicki Barber and Placerville Union School District Superintendent Dr. Nancy Lynch to take on the duties of interim principal to help give a sense of security and safety to the grief-torn school and provide  leadership for daily school operation.

"I'm glad I'm there, but I'm sad I'm there too," said Friend. "This is a little thing that I can do to help the people Sam loved so much."

The Garden Valley resident has committed approximately six weeks to Schnell, giving the district time to explore a more permanent solution.

"Ralph has great grace, compassion and empathy and he is calm in any situation," said Barber. "He embodies all the characteristics we needed and with his willingness to help  and his availability, Ralph was the person we wanted for the school."

Friend's goal is to know the names of every student before he leaves.

"I'm an abstract to them and I need to build credibility and trust. When I shake hands I always tell the kids to introduce themselves so I can remember their names and they've been great about that."

He started his new duties the day after LaCara's murder, first going through an emotional day with Schnell School staff at the districtwide gathering and then being on hand to welcome children when school resumed on Friday.

"It's only been a week, but I've learned a lot about resiliency and caring, " said Friend. "I never know what the day will bring so it's important just to go with it. The district has provided unbelievable support to me and to the school and schools throughout the region and the state have sent cards, e-mails, made signs and even brought lunch for our teachers."

Friend is backed by former Schnell employees such as retired school secretary Carolyn Davis and retired principal Cathy Morgan, who have been at the school every day, providing a stabilizing presence for staff and students. Placerville district Superintendent Lynch has been on hand to welcome students to school each day as well.

On the first day back after LaCara's death, teachers read a statement about the event to their classes and counselors were present in every classroom, Friend said.

"There is a very real sense of loss at this school, for Sam, who was loved by the students and their families, but also for John (Luebbers, the suspect in the fatal shooting). It takes time to heal. It could be years before healing occurs for some, but  Schnell School has a strong family community to help make that happen."

After the morning meet and greet, Friend returns to the office to take care of administrative duties before going out to make classroom visits. He reads to every class, a tradition he started during his active career, but one especially important now as a way of letting students get to know and trust him. In his first week, Friend read "The Island of the Skog" by Steven Kellogg to older students and "The Hole in the Dike" by Norma B. Green to the younger students — both with themes of courage, perseverance, responsibility and initiative, which Friend uses as a launching point for discussion.

Friend came to El Dorado County in 1979 as principal of the newly opened Golden Sierra High School. After 15 years with the Black Oak Mine Unified School District, also as principal of Georgetown and Otter Creek schools, he accepted a position as superintendent/principal of Latrobe School District. Later, he served as superintendent of Buckeye School District for four-and-a-half years before becoming superintendent of Robla School District in Sacramento from which he retired last year. His wife retired in June after 25 years teaching in Georgetown and the couple has three grown children and three grandchildren.

"I knew Sam. We led the local chapter of the Association of California School Administrators together and I was honored when Dr. Barber and Dr. Lynch asked me to be here, but humbled as well because I knew how difficult it would be," said Friend. "We're looking for the new norm here at Schnell. Who knows what it is, but we'll find it."

Notes and e-mails of  support and encouragement are appreciated, said Friend. "They brighten our day. We are the sum and total of all we experience and the feeling of love and support will help the healing from this evil and nasty thing that has happened."

Contact Wendy Schultz at 530-344-5068 or wschultz@mtdemocrat.net

Wendy Schultz

Wendy Schultz has been a columnist for the Mountain Democrat since 2002 and a staff writer since 2005. She covers Placerville city events and City Council meetings, writes feature stories and reports on things of interest in El Dorado County.

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