Oakdale Elementary School in Waukegan is mourning the sudden and unexpected death of a 25-year-old teacher who died on Friday, school officials said.
Principal Catalina Quinones-Nelson sent a message to parents, saying the school was “saddened to report” the death of Kaitlin Schaumberger.
Schaumberger was a “much-beloved” teacher who began working at Oakdale Elementary School in August.
“We know this news is sudden and difficult for the entire Oakdale community,” Quinones-Nelson said.
“At this time we have no further details to share, and we are asking that everyone respect the Schaumberger family’s privacy, as we all work to cope with this tragedy,” Quinones-Nelson added.
The school district’s mental health support team is being made available to Oakdale students and staff seeking assistance.
Additional support and assistance for students in Schaumberger’s class are also being made available.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Schaumberger’s family and friends, and those close to her. Ms. Schaumberger was a committed and dedicated teacher who shared the love of teaching and learning,” Quinones-Nelson said.
“She provided our students with encouragement and support each and every day. She went above and beyond and we will truly miss her,” Quinones-Nelson added.
An obituary for Schaumberger, 25, described her as “an absolute ray of sunshine.”
“Kaitlin loved hanging out with family and friends, exploring different cities and countries, enjoying her morning smoothies, teaching her second-grade students, listening to Charlie XCX and Carrie Underwood, ensuring she always took the best selfies, and so much more,” the obituary read.