NORTH HAVEN -- The community is in shock and starting the mourning process over the death Friday of Assistant Superintendent of Schools Patricia K. Brozek.
Brozek spent 39 years in the district, starting as an English teacher following her graduation from Salve Regina College. The Branford resident became assistant superintendent in 2008 after serving for a year on special assignment in the central office as director of personnel and instruction. She was North Haven High School principal for 15 years prior to coming to central office.
Superintendent of Schools Robert D. Cronin said he and Brozek had a good working relationship and that she was welcoming and supportive of him when he came to the district in April 2011.
Brozek hadn't felt well lately, and had been having problems with her asthma. She went to the hospital Thursday and died Friday. He was contacted late Friday afternoon that she passed away and reached out to school board members, while assigning others to call staff members.
The district's crisis team and grief counselors will be in schools on Tuesday.