Asked about the cause of death, Superintendent Laura Blessing said she could not comment on personal information of staff or students.
It is with sad regret that we inform you we have lost another staff member at Miamisburg Middle School.
— Dr. Laura Blessing (@DrLauraBlessing) September 24, 2021
There will be NO school today, Friday, September 24th for Miamisburg Middle School.
Staff and Students do not need to report.
Earlier this week the district announced the death of longtime middle school teacher and varsity baseball coach Steve Kurtz.
A GoFundMe page for Kurtz’s family says he “became ill and lost his battle with COVID.” Kurtz, 42, is survived by his wife and two children under age 10.
In her message to the school community about Flory, Blessing wrote that, “Lori will be remembered for her 14 years of dedicated service to middle school students and staff in Miamisburg City Schools. Her delicious pumpkin rolls at Thanksgiving were a favorite dessert for many in the Miamisburg community. Lori’s presence in the cafeteria will be greatly missed.”
Blessing did not respond to a request for comment about any COVID safety concerns for staff and students in Miamisburg schools. There was a heated discussion of mask policy and other COVID safety protocols at a recent school board meeting. The school district reported 32 active COVID cases among students the week of Sept. 13-17 and three active cases among staff.
Jason Curry, president of the district’s teachers union, said Miamisburg’s school community, like many others, is facing strain over COVID issues.
”(Miamisburg) is struggling through a time of loss and sadness, high stress, and uncertainty,” Curry said. “As a result, we need to be committed to the practice of self care and being mindful of our physical and emotional health, as changes can happen rapidly and have a devastating impact on relationships and our community. I believe we can benefit tremendously by all of us working toward those goals.”
As is common with deaths of active school staff, the school district said grief counselors, teachers and other support staff will be available to students, staff and parents. The district provided tips to parents for talking to their kids about Flory’s death, and Blessing asked families to contact the school if they need additional resources.
The district had previously sent out a message about Kurtz’s passing.
“Mr. Steve Kurtz has touched the lives of many staff members, families and students in the classroom and on the field,” a district message to families stated. “He embodied the traits of a true Viking. His kindness and compassion will be a legacy that lives on forever. Our thoughts are with the Kurtz family.”
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