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Berkeley High School held its breath Tuesday over the prospect of losing its latest principal – after only 13 months on the job. 

The school newspaper, the Berkeley High Jacket, broke the story Tuesday that Frank Lynch is one of two finalists for the superintendent’s job in the Del Norte County Unified School District, at the state’s northwestern tip. 

“I really hate it if he’s going to leave,” said Cassandra Powell, an administrative clerk who works just outside Lynch’s office. “He’s the only principal I’ve seen who really cares about the students and lets them know he cares about them.” 

Lynch’s door was open as usual Tuesday afternoon, and he told the Daily Planet a consultant for the Del Norte district had sought him out a month and a half ago and that he had applied as a career move. 

“I love it here, it’s just that (Del Norte) is not only a school district, it’s a county district,” he said. “The professional opportunity is the only reason I applied there.” 

Lynch said he would take the new job if offered it, but that he would also not mind staying if he was turned down. 

“I can’t lose,” he said. “This is a great school, with great kids.” 

Alan J. Newell, Del Norte’s interim superintendent, confirmed that Lynch was among two finalists, but said the school board would not make its decision before a Thursday evening meeting.  

“I would contemplate that the result would be known on Thursday evening,” Newell said. 

Lynch started work on Aug. 8, 2000. He took over from Teresa Saunders, who served for two years. Before that, Lawrence Lee, currently the executive vice principal, served as interim principal for three years. 

“It’s probably one of the hardest jobs in the city of Berkeley,” Lee said, “in that no matter what you do, you’re always going to be disagreed with by somebody.” 

Lee said nobody on the administrative staff wanted to be the new principal, but the board would probably have to depend on the other top administrators to fill in during the search for a replacement. 

“Only if they ask me to do so will I consider it, but I’m not throwing my hat into the ring,” Lee said. “Most of us in the administrative team are old hands at Berkeley. If we are pressed into service in that capacity that’s fine, but I don’t think anybody’s throwing hats into the ring as a career choice.” 

“Obviously we’d have to do an extensive principal search” if Lynch left, said Board of Education Director John Selawsky, “and I think we’d have to take our time on that.” 

“In general, he’s been a great communicator and he has the support of the parents, staff, and kids. The kids all respect him which is important. If we lose him, it’ll be a loss.” 

At lunchtime Tuesday, some students joked laconically that the school’s buildings would all come crashing down without Lynch at the helm. Others were more earnest. 

“I think I’ll be really sad because he really cares about us,” said senior Natasha Mark. “If Lynch leaves not only will Berkeley High School fall apart, but the whole school will be sad.” 

“I think it’s going to make things more confusing,” said junior Greg Halabey.