PARADISE, Calif. - The Paradise Unified School District Superintendent Michelle John will leave the district in December 2019 and she shares the decision did not come easy.

John, who has been in the town for 30 years, announced her plans earlier in the week after having worked at the district for more than 15 years.

Staff at the district office all spoke to John's strength and resilience, leading a team to rebuild Paradise Unified after the fire.

"She was the driving force in not letting us get left behind," said one co-worker. "Gave us a home."

Paradise Assistant Superintendent Tom Taylor said for John, the kids always come first.

"She expects the best out of you and she expects you do to what's best for the kids, even if it's not the easy route to take," said Taylor.

For John, major-life changes led her to this decision but even so, it was not an easy one.

"I love the kids and they only deserve the best," said John.

The Superintendent said negotiations continue as to who will take her spot for when she moves to Nevada to be closer to her grandkids.