Schnell Elementary closed after staff member dies

WEST CARROLLTON — A West Carrollton Elementary School closed Thursday after a staff member passed away from natural causes before students arrived, according to the school district.

>>Long-time West Carrollton educator dies from injuries after crash

West Carrollton City Schools sent a notice Thursday morning notifying parents Schnell Elementary School would be closed for the day, apologizing for closing the school on short notice.

A district spokesperson confirmed in a social media post the sudden closure was due to the death of well-known school custodian Curt Mullins, prior to the opening of the school.

“Emergency responders were present at the school. The time that this occurred caused us to close Schnell School this morning with very short notice,” the spokesperson said.

“Curt took the time to get to know all of the students at the school and provide encouraging words or an elbow bump. He brought a smile to families during student drop off and pick up from the school,” the spokesperson said.

“He was a valued employee and an even more valued friend. Our deepest condolences are with his family.”

Mullins is the second staff member in the West Carrollton district to die within the last few weeks. Middle and high school teacher Pam Jacobs was killed in a car crash in late August, according to the district.

This is a developing story and we’ll update this page as we learn more.

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