Caldwell School Loses Principal Jim Brown To Coronavirus – Caldwells, NJ Patch

CALDWELL, NJ — Every school community has a day-in, day-out grinder like Jim Brown.

They’re the sort of person that looks at a couple of unused school supply rooms and turns them into a state-of-the-art learning center. They’re the natural leader that captures people’s attention whenever they speak. They’re the innovator who makes STEM education come alive with weather stations and greenhouses.

And that’s the guy the community lost this week when Brown, 48, the principal at Grover Cleveland Middle School, became the latest person in Caldwell and West Caldwell to die from the new coronavirus.

On Friday, administrators in the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District confirmed that Brown died from COVID-19 complications.

As of Friday morning, one death in Caldwell and two in West Caldwell have been linked to COVID-19, according to Essex County officials. A resident of neighboring North Caldwell has also passed away from the disease.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Brown, a Colonia resident, was included in that total.

As of Thursday afternoon, New Jersey had 25,590 cases and 537 deaths linked to COVID-19, according to the state health department. Officials said 33,520 people have tested negative for the disease. READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here’s What You Need To Know)

Gov. Phil Murphy joined mourners with a message on Twitter, writing that Brown leaves behind his wife, Sherry, three children and “an entire school community who loved him dearly.”

Superintendent James Heinegg released a statement about Brown’s passing on the district’s behalf:

“Mr. Brown was a vibrant educational leader in the district for 14 years. He was vice principal at James Caldwell High School for six years, and since August 2012, had been principal of Grover Cleveland Middle School.

“Mr. Brown developed numerous innovative programs in his eight years as GCMS principal. He helped to transform two unused supply rooms into state-of-the-art STEM learning centers. Through several grants that he wrote, students had opportunities to engage in virtual reality learning programs, robotics and environmental studies through a weather station and a green house. Perhaps his most transformative work, though, was in the area of social-emotional learning and community service. Mr. Brown introduced a house system to foster team-building and school spirit, and he created an advisory/enrichment program that allows students to develop networks of support and to explore their interests. He brought in many speakers from all walks of life to provide students with models of determination, grit, and commitment to helping those in need. Mr. Brown’s unmatched dedication to community service inspired students, faculty and parents to focus on compassion for our fellow citizens and to make a difference every day.

“Jim Brown will be remembered as an outstanding educator who made tremendous contributions to the entire community of Caldwell-West Caldwell and beyond. We mourn the loss of a wonderful colleague who enriched our lives with his kindness, intelligence and humor, we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

School officials suspended classes at Grover Cleveland Middle School on Thursday to help staff and students cope with the sudden loss of their principal. Students are also being offered grief counseling and support.

Heinegg recommended that parents in the district have an open conversation with their kids.

“News of such a loss affects our entire community,” the superintendent wrote. “This sad news may foster some unresolved feelings in your child that he or she would like to discuss with you. You can help your child by listening carefully, accepting his or her feelings, and answering questions honestly according to your beliefs. You know your child best and how to approach talking about loss. Please know that experts emphasize the value of children hearing news of sudden loss from their parents/caregivers directly.”

According to the district website, Brown began his service at GCMS after working as a vice principal at James Caldwell High School for six years. Over more than two decades in education, Brown taught English at both the middle school and high school level, has served as a high school dean of students, and was an assistant varsity coach for the football and girls’ basketball teams.

Brown received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Kean University.

A COMMUNITY MOURNS

Since Brown’s passing, a huge wave of peers and neighbors have been sharing their condolences about the beloved principal’s death.

Caldwell Borough Council President Christine Schmidt offered a message of sympathy on behalf of the council and mayor on Thursday:

“Dr. James Heinegg informed us this morning of the passing of our beloved GCMS principal, James Brown. The mayor and council join our entire community in sending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the many colleagues, staff and students whose lives he has touched. The school is providing resources which can help students process this terrible loss. James Brown will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by our entire community.”

The West Caldwell Police Department shared news of Brown’s passing via a heartfelt social media message of condolence:

“From the first day you were introduced as a young vice principal at James Caldwell High School, we could instantly tell that there was something special about you. You were a natural leader of people. When you would speak on a subject matter there was something about the manner that you spoke where the room sat up and listened. We were all happy for you and your family when we heard the news that you were moving to Grover Cleveland Middle School and moving up to be the new principal. Our schools are the safest around as a direct result of your hard-work and advocating to keep school safety as the district’s top priority. Our department’s school safety team will always remember how passionate you were when talking about all of the benefits of the LobbyGuard system that you were able to pilot in your school.”

“Mr. Brown, you were not only a colleague, but also a great friend to the members of the West Caldwell Police Department,” police wrote. “You will surely be missed. May you rest in eternal peace.”

A West Caldwell police officer gave his own stirring tribute to Brown with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

When the school district posted news of Brown’s passing on social media, many recalled the late educator with respect and fondness.

“A wonderful man who was so very dedicated to the school community,” one mourner wrote. “Condolences to his family.”

Also seen online:

  • “Our hearts are truly broken. He was truly a great man, he touched everyone’s heart and life in one way or another.”
  • “Our son is a 7th grade student at GCMS and we’re devastated. Mr. Brown was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. God bless his family.”
  • “So sad to hear about the loss of Mr. Brown. He was kind, dedicated, and always went above and beyond for his students. He even fixed my sandal that broke in the hallway in front of him. RIP Mr. Brown.”
  • “He was truly an amazing son, husband, father and brother! He loved his job and all of his students. He is going to be truly missed.”

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