A listing of events to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Volusia and Flagler counties. Marches and remembrances will be held through the weekend.
James Tom Russell, the former superintendent of Volusia County Schools and the current principal of Flagler Palm Coast High School, has died after contracting COVID-19.
Russell spent 28 years in the Volusia County school district, ultimately serving as the district s top leader, before becoming principal at FPC last year.
He announced in November on the FPC Facebook page that he had COVID-19, and was later hospitalized and admitted to intensive care. Flagler Schools announced his death on Wednesday afternoon in a press release.
Russell was known for being a hard worker, a good listener and a man of faith. Tom was a valued member of our district, a person everyone leaned on for advice and counsel, Flagler Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt said in a statement. He was quick with a smile and word of encouragement. He had the ability to bring calm to the most hectic moments.”