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.”