Remembering - Principal Sam LaCara

The local and nationwide news last week was mind boggling and surreal.  A principal - a man who had been my childrens' vice principal ten or more years ago - was shot to death in his school office.  Today a public memorial was held at Green Valley Community Church in Placerville for this man - Sam LaCara -  with an outpouring of over 1500 people in attendance to pay their respect.

On Wednesday February 2nd, 2011 Placerville principal Sam LaCara was shot to death in his office at Louisiana Schnell School. LaCara became an educator in 1988 after graduating from California State University, Sacramento. He worked in the Placerville Union School District for 21 years, as a teacher and coach, an assistant principal and as principal. He was a caring, larger than life leader to the staff, students and community of Louisiana Schnell School.

In 2008, under LaCara’s leadership, Schnell School received distinction as a Title I Academic Achievement Award School as well as an Honorable Mention California Distinguished School. In 2009, it was named a California Business Honor Roll School for educational excellence, and won the California School Garden Network’s California School Garden of the Year.

Three of my own four children knew Mr. LaCara when he was assistant principal at Markham Middle School and were touched by his leadership and contribution. He was a valued member of numerous statewide associations and served as regional treasurer for the Association of California School Administrators.

Sam is survived by his wife Lisa, and their three beautiful daughters. A statement from the El Dorado County Office of Education received the day after La Cara’s tragic death, reads, in part: “We cannot begin to express how deeply he will be missed."

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Sam LaCara Memorial Fund through the El Dorado Community Foundation. Donations by credit card can be made by calling (530) 622-5621. Donations in the form of a check made payable to the Sam LaCara Memorial Fund can be sent to:

Sam LaCara Memorial Fund
c/o El Dorado Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1388
Placerville, CA 95667

Individuals may send sympathy wishes to:
Placerville Union School District
1032 Thompson Way
Placerville, CA 95667