FORT WORTH, Texas — Carrie Pierce credits much of her success in education to Dr. Leigh Ann Romer, her former principal who passed away Sunday. Carrie, now a principal herself, was Romer's first assistant principal at J.C. Thompson Elementary.
"She cultivated leaders," Carrie Pierce, Principal Perrin Elementary: "A lot of the teachers that have taught here have also gone on and become curriculum coordinators or coaches and principals. So she grows and cultivates people."
Dr. Leigh Ann Romer passed away following a sudden medical emergency on Sunday. She was married with two children. As principal, Romer showed her school spirit and influenced teachers to do the same. She pushed her colleagues to excel like Sendera Elementary Principal Sarah Thornell, who just earned her doctorate.
"Technically graduate August 16th," Sarah Thornell said, "working with Dr. Romer was one of the highlights of my career. She was a fantastic mentor leader. She supported me every step of the way. It was wonderful working with her and learning from her."
Watch the full interviews with Romer's colleagues here:
Seven Hills Elementary Principal Kim Blackburn held back tears talking about Dr. Romer. She describes Romer as the person you knew was in the room. The two of them made it a point to talk on the phone before each school day started to share encouraging words, especially when one of them needed their spirits lifted. More importantly, Romer was the one person Blackburn could count on for advice, being held accountable, and hearing about the silver lining during stormy times.
"She was my biggest champion," said Kim Blackburn, "we've all heard the phrase the smartest person in the room is the room. But somehow, I feel like Dr. Romer broke that or breaks that standard, right? She was 'the room.'"
Sarah Thornell also shared that Dr. Romer's presence was obvious to everyone. She believes anyone who came in contact with her walked away a better person.
"When Dr. Romer is in the room, everyone feels loved," Sarah Thornell said.
Carrie Pierce said, "We were so lucky, so blessed to have a person like Leigh Ann in our lives."
Northwest ISD set up grief counseling at Romer's school for teachers, staff, and even parents and students grieving her unexpected death. Plans are underway for family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate her life.