Three school principal moves on

Traci Schneider came to the position of principal for the three northern Carbon County elementary schools this year planning to stay for many years. Unfortunately, although she had a job she loved, her husband couldn't find any position in Carbon County that compared to his job in Cheyenne. So the couple has been doing long distance for the past year.

"Even though I was going home on weekends, it was really tough on us," Schneider said. "I grew up around here, but he is a Cheyenne boy, so he doesn't have the roots of a small rural community."

Schneider was not sure what to do, but when a job in Pine Bluffs school system opened up as director of curriculum, she realized it was an opportunity not to be passed up.

"I guess the education gods were watching out for me," Schneider said. "The superintendent knew me from work I had done before and wanted me for this position and contacted me. Although it was a tough decision to leave Carbon County, I really couldn't say no when balancing everything out."

Her time as principal of the three schools may not have been long, but the year she worked was filled with sensation as two schools were being considered to be shut down.

"The school board considering closing the two schools, that was really a time, I feel like I was meant to be here during this time," Schneider said. "Because I am so entrenched in the community and have such a deep history here, it allowed me to give the board a perspective that many people couldn't. I had the trust factor of the communities going for me. The communities reached out to me and knew that I would listen and not hold back things. I could tell them the main issues and what had to happen to keep the schools open."

She is glad the outcome kept both schools open.

She credits her mom for being a good sounding board. Her mother worked for Medicine Bow schools.

Schneider also had praise for Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) superintendent James Copeland.

"It was not an easy decision, but the fact that he was willing to explore and research what other districts were doing and how they were doing it, was very important," Schneider said. "He really has the best interests of CCSD2 at heart and people need to trust him. He is so concerned about doing what is right for the kids."

Schneider is happy she had the year she did because the administration of CCSD2 was thoroughly supportive and she learned much from many of the staff. She said the three secretaries at the elementary schools were the best.

"They made my job work," Schneider said. "Plus the teachers care about the kids as if they are their own. CCSD2 is lucky to have such committed educators. They really take their jobs seriously."

She said the heart of the communities are the schools.

"My year as principal is really valued and has been a phenomenal experience, and I can say with sincerity, it's hard to leave," Schneider said with tears starting to form. "Everybody has become my family here and I am really going to miss the kids. I leave giving thanks to all that helped me this past year."