After one year of service at the Jamestown schools, we not only lose a great educator but a great person as well.

I am saddened by the departure of Mr. Mike Franco. He was a great administrator/ teacher and role model for our students. His contributions, in just one short year, went far beyond what the public could see.

Being a veteran teacher, Mike had a gift for reaching out to his students as well as his faculty. He was always positive and motivating. Mike instilled pride in our students: not only in the classroom but on the athletic fields as well. He took a special interest in each student, learning about each one of them. That is why the students at the Melrose school were always trying to find ways to have lunch with him. My son Colbey frequently talked about Mike. Colbey said, "Mr. Franco likes to have fun. He even plays with us at recess sometimes." On the flip side of this, Mike knew when he had to be stern and discipline his students. He was a great male role model!

As for the staff's feelings, I can only speak on behalf of my husband. Eric held him with great regard. Mike was always there to give advice, assistance or support. Mike never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone. He would frequently return to the classroom to provide extra help for struggling students and teach classes that were not covered by a substitute.

The departure of Mike Franco is a great loss for Jamestown education and for our community. It is with deep regret that we have lost him to another school system. It is too bad that we did not try hard enough to hold on to him.

Penny Bush Clinton Avenue