Who is Mr. French from Housekeeping and what is their importance?

Mr. French is the local school principal. He is described as a man with a small, smooth skull and very white hands the size of a boy's. He calls Ruth and Lucille into his office on the first day of school after they have missed half of the last year. He sits on the edge of his desk, plays with a piece of chalk, and questions them with "an inquisitor's delight". His interrogation prompts Lucille to say she will do better this year and work hard. Lucille even tries to defend Ruth, who retreats into embarrassed silence. When Ruth escapes into her schoolwork because Lucille now avoids her, Mr. French calls her into his office to congratulate her on her changed attitude.