Lakewood Loses a Great Leader of Kids

It was June 28th and late in the afternoon I heard a knock on my door, who can it be I said to myself.  I was in my shorts and a crappy T-shirt as I answered the door and to my surprise it was the principal of my daughter's elementary school Eric Richards.  

Now as any parent would tell you a house call by their child's principal can be quite a concern however any parent that knows Mr. Richards can only be more than happy to see him at your door.  Unfortunately this visit was not to be happy for long as Mr. Richards made this house call to tell me in person that he had tendered his letter of resignation as principal of Park Lodge Elementary School here in Lakewood, WA.  

Immediately I was upset and demanded answers.  Mr. Richards told me he was offered another principal position in Kent, the city he resides in, and that this was a very hard decision for him but one that was the best for his family.  Well how could I argue with a reason such as family, because in the couple years I have been a part of Park Lodge Mr. Richards has always emphasized that we put our families first.  

Well as sad as I was to hear the news I knew it was the best move for him and I 100% support it and understand it, even though I am still quite upset to lose such a great leader in our school district.  Mr. Richards as far as I am concerned was well above par when it came to leading kids to be successful.  

He was always there to give you a smile and a hand shake and in some way when he said hi to you, your day became a little brighter.  Sitting in his office on many an occasion to discuss PTSA matters I can tell you he never made you feel intimidated but more so he made it known we were all a team and we all worked together to make sure that KIDS WERE THE POINT.

Mr. Richards will inevitabley be replaced, but no one will ever fill his shoes.  He will never be forgotten nor will we ever forget the plethora of ties he wore year round.  Mr. Richards I wish you the best of luck, I know you will take whatever school you work at to a new level far above what they have ever seen as that is exactly what I first handedly saw at Park Lodge.  

You are always a part of the Park Lodge Family and we hope that you find the time to visit every now and then.  You will always be more than a principal to many of the families as I know that over time I came to consider you a great mentor and friend, and I thank you for that.  

Eric Richards, one more thing, on behalf of all military families whom you have helped I stand up and with the most respect salute you as you change your command.