District memorializes long-serving staff member after his death; visitation, brief service set

The superintendent told the board that the district lost a longtime, central-office colleague, Eric Brown, and outlined visitation and service plans for family and staff.

At the start of the March 16 meeting, the superintendent said Eric had worked for Mount Vernon for 20 years and had 33 years in education, including principalships and a long tenure at East Elementary, where he helped win a National Blue Ribbon. "We lost an incredible, valuable member of our team," the superintendent said, and noted the family will hold visitation at Lasser Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a short service at 7 p.m.; graveside services will be at a later date.

Board members offered condolences and personal remembrances. One member said Eric "was instrumental in our first getting a Blue Ribbon award," calling him "very unassuming and humble" and saying he will be missed. Another board member extended sympathy to the Brown family and thanked district leaders for their empathetic handling of the news so staff and students had time to process the loss. "He was such an important part of your lives," a board member said, addressing central-office staff.

The superintendent said the district is coordinating with the family to support Eric's sons and to help make arrangements for end-of-year milestones, including work to support a son who is a senior. The board did not take formal action on the matter beyond expressions of sympathy and plans to honor the staff member with a memorial book in the high school library.

The board moved on to routine business after the remarks; the meeting proceeded to the scheduled agenda items.