OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Middle School Principal Paula Troutman died unexpectedly on Monday.

The Fredonia Central School District is mourning the loss of one of its administrators.

Paula Troutman, Fredonia Middle School Principal, died unexpectedly on Monday. Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox notified the school community of her passing with a statement Tuesday morning.

“Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of Paula,” Zilliox said in the statement.

Zilliox also said the district will be “as transparent as possible while still protecting the privacy of the family.”

The district will provide access to counseling and bereavement support services in the coming days, as school resumes as scheduled on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, the district’s Crisis Team was made available beginning at 10 a.m. at the High School Library for any faculty and staff to gather. Students and families were invited to gather from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday. Zilliox also shared a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists to help students and their families to cope with loss.

“This is a difficult time for everyone, but I know we will support each other as we fondly remember Mrs. Troutman and her outstanding work with our district,” Zilliox stated. He urged any questions or concerns to be directed to him at the district office.