Coronavirus: Brooklyn Principal Dies From COVID-19 Complications, Principals Union Says

By Alex Zimmerman, Chalkbeat New York

A Brooklyn principal has died due to complications of the coronavirus, the first known death of a public school staff member connected to the epidemic, the principals union confirmed Monday evening.

The principal, Dezann Romain, ran the Brooklyn Democracy Academy, according to the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.

“It is with profound sadness and overwhelming grief that we announce the passing of our sister, CSA member Dezann Romain, Principal of Brooklyn Democracy Academy, due to complications from Coronavirus,” the union wrote in a statement.

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“Our prayers are with her family and school community as we mourn alongside them. Please keep Principal Romain in your thoughts and continue to do everything possible to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe during this health crisis.”

Brooklyn Democracy Academy is a transfer school, which means it serves students who have struggled in traditional high schools and are unlikely to graduate on time.

Nearly 80% of its students come from low-income families, according to the most recent city data. More than a quarter of students have disabilities.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization covering public education. Sign up for their newsletters here.