Unable to find housing, Paradise High principal announces resignation

PARADISE, Calif. (KTVU) - The principal of Paradise High School has announced he is resigning from his post because he and his family have been unable to find housing in the area, which was ravaged by the devastating Camp Fire last November. 

Loren Lighthall made the announcement on the school's Facebook page on Monday, as he expressed how sad he was to be leaving. 

"I loved working with your children and they are the reason I loved this job so much," he wrote. "We have accomplished some amazing things in our time together."

Lighthall and his wife have seven kids, and the principal went on to say that the decision to resign was made with the needs of his family in mind. 

"Unfortunately, I have been unable to secure housing," he said in the announcement. "As you know, my wife and I have 7 children including a four year old and we need to think about their needs and provide a stable environment for them," he continued. 

Since posting the announcement, comments of well wishes have been pouring in, with many thanking the principal for his dedication to the students and to the community.

Some noted how much they appreciated his integral role following the Camp Fire disaster, which claimed the lives at least 85 people and destroyed almost 19,000 buildings in Paradise and its surrounding communities. 

"You did an amazing job during the Campfire and all the reorganizing. Grateful for that," Diane Gustafson Forrester commented on Facebook. 

"This is a huge loss for Paradise in general--not just the high school," wrote Roger Ekins. "'Til we meet again.'"

"This makes me so sad! You have been such a huge blessing for PHS!" commented Christy Allen Allsup. "What a loss for our high schoolers. Thank you for your positive changes. You will be missed. Good luck in your next adventure with your family."

Lighthall said that next adventure will send him to Central California to take on the role as principal of Hughson High School in Stanislaus County starting July 1.

He expressed gratitude to the families of Paradise High for their support and said the community will always be a part of him.

"Thank you for welcoming me and my family and letting us be a part of your lives," Lighthall said. "I will always bleed green and gold!"

This story was reported from Oakland, Calif.