Burlington Schools Mourn Diversity Director

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People in Burlington are mourning the loss of the Director of Diversity Education and Engagement for the Burlington school district, Dan Balon.  Balon died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack.

Balon had worked for the Burlington School System for four years. Superintendent Jeanne Collins says Balon lived passionately and his dream was for a world that is equitable and welcoming to everyone.

Last year, Balon told VPR he believed in recruiting teachers and administrators as diverse as the student body, and helping those who already work in the district to build a safe and open learning environment.

"We all know that student success is really anchored by how teachers are creating that classroom environment, so we have really emphasized in the last few years particularly, cultural competency, when we create that environment, when we’re teaching a lesson, or how we teach that lesson," Balon said. 

Mayor Miro Weinberger says that Balon’s work will have a lasting impact on the community.

A funeral will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Shelburne.

Dan Balon leaves behind a wife and two daughters. He was 42 years old.

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