The Research Alliance team was devastated to learn of the passing of Dez-Ann Romain, Principal of Brooklyn Democracy Academy, due to complications from the coronavirus. In 2018, we had the privilege of working with Principal Romain on an event that explored the experiences of students who struggle to graduate but remain enrolled in school. She was generous with her time, thoughtful about her work, and dedicated to building supportive and authentic relationships with her students. "A transfer school is a family," she said at the time. "I am a head of a household.”

Principal Romain's death is a profound loss for Brooklyn Democracy Academy and for NYC's public schools. We extend our deepest condolences to her colleagues, friends, students, and family.