CHALMETTE, La. — On Tuesday, St. Bernard Parish Schools named Will Schneider the new 'acting principal' of Chalmette High School.
He's a Chalmette High alumnus, and he went on to graduate from Loyola and Columbia University. He served as a teacher before stepping into the role of assistant principal.
"I'm just excited. You know, it's a nervous excitement," Schneider said, "I never thought I would be in education, and then I found myself in education. Once Mr. Warner asked me to become part of the administration, I always hoped and thought that maybe this could be the next step. You know, possibly being principal one day, but never under these circumstances."
The district said this is the first school year in 57 years that Wayne Warner won't be there to welcome the Fighting Owls back to campus.
In June, Warner confronted 33-year-old Christopher Kidd as he knocked over trash cans and mailboxes near Palmetto Street, according to his wife.
Kidd pushed Warner, breaking his hip and elbow, his wife told WWL Louisiana. Warner needed surgery and time to heal.
"He's banged up pretty bad, but he is one of the strongest most stubborn men out there and so he's going to do anything and everything in his power to continue to progress," Schneider said.
While Warner tackles physical therapy, Schneider said he'll face a challenge as well – filling Warner's shoes.
"You've never seen a shoe or a boat or anything big enough to fill what that man what he and Ms. Mundt have done for this school, for this community, no one could ever match that," Schneider said.
It's a big responsibility. It's the only high school in the parish following Hurricane Katrina, which means roughly 2,300 owls will be under Schneider's wings.
"I'm completely honored and privileged to even be thought of to be in this position," Schneider said.
Schneider said it's unknown how long Warner will be out on medical leave.
Kidd was booked on counts of second-degree robbery, simple battery of the infirm, simple assault, shoplifting, resisting a police officer, and battery on a police officer, according to the Sheriff's Office.
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