New York City has become the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak with Mayor Bill de Blasio shutting the city in a mandatory stay-at-home order, closing down all non-essential businesses. Just recently, a Brooklyn principal has become the latest in a series of deaths from the virus.
Thirty-six-year-old educator Dezann Romain served as the principal of the Brooklyn Democracy Academy in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was a school where older-aged high school students transfer when they don’t have enough credits to continue attending a traditional high school. Romain was promoted from assistant principal between 2016 and 2017. Students and alumni have been commenting on the school’s Instagram page, offering their condolences to the late principal.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Brooklyn Democracy Academy community, and the family of Principal Romain,” Richard Carranza, school chancellor, said in a statement. “We’re all experiencing a deep sense of confusion, uncertainty, and sadness and it’s more important than ever to provide support to one another. We’ll be there for the students and staff through whatever means necessary during this impossibly difficult time.”
Romain has become the first city public school staffer to die from the virus.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”