Dover Jackson administrator dies suddenly

Dunham remembered for passion with city’s community, its youth

New London — Roland Dunham, the assistant principal of Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet School Campus and a man with a deep passion for the New London community and its youth, has died.

The school district was notified of Dunham’s death on Friday morning, Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie said in a message posted on the school’s website. It is unclear how Dunham died, though school staff said it was related to a medical condition.

Ritchie said Dunham was a beloved member of the school community and the district is offering counseling for students and staff members who might be impacted by the loss.

Dunham began his career in New London as an English teacher in 2002. In 2009, he was appointed

as the dean of students at New London High School.

Beginning in 2011, he served as an assistant principal for Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School and assistant principal on special assignment in support of several district initiatives.

“During his 18- year tenure with NLPS his caring and concern for students was unwavering. He will be greatly missed,” Ritchie said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Dunham. This news is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for the entire community of the City of New London, especially the staff and students of the school district.”

Accomplished author

In addition to being an educator, Dunham was a writer and poet who penned a self- published book in 1996 called “Thoughts: The Poetic Perspective of a Black Man.”

In an interview with The Day in 2012, he said he talked to the youth constantly about responsibility and tried to help steer them clear of a criminal lifestyle, urging them to pursue higher education.

Bennie Dover Principal Chris Vamvakides said it’s been a tough day for the entire New London school community.

“He had a way with words. He had a tremendous impact on the students he worked with and the staff and the community as a whole,” Vamvakides said. “This is a huge loss. He had a lot of relationships with former students and staff and deep roots within the community.”

Understanding

Angela Rasmussen, the school district’s grant project director, called Dunham “an amazing, smart man that completely understood our youth.”

New London Public Schools has both district- level and school- level crisis intervention teams made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, Ritchie said.

Counselors also are being made available at all schools for any students or staff members who may need support due to this loss.

The district has posted information on its website, www.newlondon.org, that includes key contacts for each school.