Atlanta educators are mourning the loss of one of their own - Dr. Susan Crim-McClendon.
Thursday, Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen tweeted that the Atlanta Public Schools family will deeply miss Crim-McClendon. Carstarphen opened up about the Woodson Park Academy principal's legacy in her blog and said she died in her sleep.
Crim-McClendon was the daughter of Dr. Alonzo Crim, who was the first black superintendent of APS
"Dr. Susan Crim-McClendon more than upheld her family’s revered legacy, but she created one of her own," Carstarphen wrote.
"I cannot begin to express what an incredible loss her passing brings to APS and the Woodson Park community, she added. "Dr. Crim-McClendon brought a great legacy and love for education to APS and this school. That love was instilled in her as a child of educator parents. Her father’s belief in a 'Community of Believers' and work toward the education of all Atlanta’s children directly informed his daughter’s work."
"When Dr. Crim-McClendon welcomed me to APS five years ago and offered kind guidance, I listened; and it helped me adjust more quickly as superintendent," Carstarphen said.
The superintendent said Crim-McClendon started each school day with a greeting from Kenyan Maasai warriors:
How are the children? All the children are well.
That same greeting is what Crim-McClendon wrote on the school's website in the principal's message
"At Woodson, we continuously ask ourselves 'How are the children?' Collectively, we truthfully respond 'All the children are well.' Thank you in advance for keeping the focus on the children. They deserve excellence," Crim-McClendon's note reads.
The Northside High graduate attended the University of Georgia. She earned her master’s degree in middle childhood education and her doctorate in urban education from Georgia State. She's worked in several metro Atlanta school districts as an educator.
"I take some comfort because she has left us a beautiful legacy just like her father," said Carstarphen."Woodson Park is strong and resilient due to the tireless work of Dr. Susan Crim-McClendon. We’ll miss you, Susan."
PHOTOS | Dr. Susan Crim-McClendon
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