Danielle Russell Dunkirk, NY Obituary Death: The Dunkirk City School District is grieving the loss of School 5 Principal Danielle Russell, who passed away on Saturday. Superintendent Brian Swatland shared the news in a letter to the district, following an earlier announcement on March 23 that Russell was taking a medical leave to focus on her health.
Russell joined the district in 2021, initially serving as School 7 Principal and Director of Special Education before assuming leadership at School 5. “She was a devoted and caring administrator who loved our district and the family and students she worked with at School 5,” Swatland wrote. “She influenced many lives through her dedication to creating and nurturing the School 5 family.”
Carol Smith will remain interim principal at School 5 during this transition.
Russell’s family has requested privacy and asks for continued prayers amid their devastating loss. They have established a GoFundMe campaign to fund an education-based scholarship in her honor, ensuring her legacy endures.
To support the community, the district will provide social workers and additional resources upon students’ return from break. Swatland’s letter includes links to websites offering guidance on helping children process grief.
“The entire ONE Dunkirk community will deeply miss her,” Swatland concluded, reflecting the widespread impact of Russell’s warmth and commitment.
Danielle Russell’s tenure exemplified educational excellence and compassion, touching countless lives. The district invites contributions to the scholarship and extends sympathies to her family, colleagues, students, and friends.
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