UNION, KY. — The mood remained somber Monday at Randall K. Cooper High School as students and teachers prepared to return to class — and as the school’s principal said the alleged actions of a former graduate do not represent his building or the larger community.

James A. Fields, Jr., 20, who is accused of ramming his vehicle into a group of protesters in Virginia, is a 2015 graduate of the school.

“This is one outlier. That’s not who we are,” said Principal D. Michael Wilson, who has been at the school since it opened approximately 10 years ago. “If we could help these people before [they] do those acts, that’s the million-dollar question. If we could figure it out, then we would never have those again.”

VIDEO: Michael Wilson, principal of Randall K. Cooper High School, discusses James A. Fields

Teachers were in meetings on Monday, preparing for students to come back to school Wednesday. Mr. Wilson said teachers are preparing to handle conversations with students regarding the recent events.

“I think conversation in connection to that event is going to happen,” Mr. Wilson said. “It’s not something that’s going to be organized school-wide.”

Still, the local connection is upsetting to the community, he said.

“I’m very surprised with the Cooper connection, that a graduate was involved in that,” said Mr. Wilson. “We’re very saddened; we’re devastated at the events that have happened in Charlottesville, Virginia.”

The principal said he’s been contemplating his role as an educator.

“We’re reflecting on if we could do something different. How could we do things differently moving forward to help ensure that all students are connected,” he said. “Hindsight is always 20-20. You look back and think ‘Why didn’t I catch that?’ ”

A former teacher previously spoke to The Blade and said Mr. Fields conversed with him about white supremacy ideologies .

The principal said he could not comment on any complaints, concerns, or behavioral issues of Mr. Fields because of confidentiality reasons, but ensured that if any report was made, school officials would investigate.

Mr. Fields kept to himself, the principal said.

“In general terms, he was very quiet, reserved,” Mr. Wilson said.

Contact Allison Reamer at areamer@theblade.com, 419-724-6506 or on Twitter @AllisonRBlade.

First Published August 14, 2017, 5:42 p.m.