Schools

Jennings School Teacher Passes Away

Brian F. Smith dies at hospital after collapsing in school

A teacher who had been with the for 30 years died suddenly on Tuesday.

Valerie Tamano, manager of executive support services for the school district, said Brian F. Smith collapsed at the school. He was rushed to but did not survive.

According to Smith's profile on the Jennings School website, Smith was a fourth-grade teacher at the school. He earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from Columbia University, a master's degree in early childhood education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a six-year diploma in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut.

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Smith also formerly taught at Old Saybrook Public Schools and Lisbon Public Schools. He began working in New London in 1982.

According to The Day, Smith collapsed in his classroom while his students were attending an art class. Another staff member found him when he did not show up to bring the children back to the classroom.

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Prior to the start of Tuesday's hearings on the , Finance Committee chairman held a moment of silence for Smith.


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