Drug-Free coordinator thanks community and steps down after nearly 10 years

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

The last meeting of the Nevada R-5 Safe and Drug-Free Schools committee chaired by Ranea Schulze started off with tears, but then turned cheerful. Schulze has taken a new position in the library and ceded the responsibility for the drug-free program to new hands.

"I guess I'll have more time for my family," Schulze said. "I've really enjoyed doing this and I'll miss it but it will be nice to spend time with my husband."

Schulze has been teaching for 24 years and for the past decade has been the coordinator for the Safe and Drug-Free Schools. She said she couldn't have accomplished what she did without the cooperation of many people in the program and in the community.

'The success of this program depends on the people. The ones in the schools who are committed to doing this, and the support we get from the community. We're really grateful for that, because it's not every community that would give this much support to this," Schulze said.

Christie Peterson, Nevada R-5 assistant superintendent, said Schulze had provided great leadership and that what she has dedicated herself to will have an impact for years to come.

"We will never know, never know, which students have made the right decisions, have dodged the bullets and avoided drugs and alcohol and have lived safely because of what Ranea has done, but they are out there," Peterson said. "We may not be able to line them up against a wall and count them but they are out there and we know they are out there."

Peterson also echoed Schulze's comments about the importance of community participation in the program.

"I want the community to know we appreciate their help in this effort," Peterson said. "When the government cut the funding for the program the district funded it all itself because it is so important to our students. The businesses and individuals who have donated to the program have helped make it possible for us to continue."

Even though she won't be at the helm for the coming year Schulze couldn't resist making suggestions for the program.

"I just can't stop thinking of these things," Schulze said. "It means so much to me and I want to see it continue successfully."