A school community and the Department of Education is in mourning today after learning a Brooklyn school principal has passed away due to complications from the coronavirus.

The Brownsville community is saddened by the loss of a 36-year-old woman who made it her mission to help students succeed and graduate.

 

In 2018, News 12 interviewed Dezann Romain during a graduation ceremony at the school. She proudly talked about how 10 of the 25 students graduating had received full scholarships to play Division 1 basketball. 

The city’s Department of Education press secretary shared a response from the schools’ chancellor Richard Carranza saying, "this is painful for all of us, and I extend my deepest condolences to the Brooklyn Democracy Academy community, and the family of Principal Romain.” He added, “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."

Councilmember Mark Treyger says Romain’s death needs to be a wakeup call for the city.

He tweeted Monday saying “Teachers, admins, & school staff cannot be caught in bureaucratic morass b/t verification of cases & closing buildings down for deep cleaning. I’ve heard from school communities who are confused & concerned about protocols when staff test positive. That needs to end tomorrow.”

 

He’s also calling on the mayor’s office to release the number of DOE employees who have tested positive.