RICHARDSON, Texas — A Richardson ISD student and a teacher died last week of complications from COVID-19, the district announced Monday.
In a letter sent to staff and parents, Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone announced the deaths of Sha'Niyah McGee, a junior at Berkner High School, and Eroletta Piasczyk, a teacher at the Christa McAuliffe Learning Center.
"Both Nienie and Eroletta were highly cherished members of our RISD family and they will be fondly remembered and missed by their classmates and fellow teachers," Stone said in the letter.
Senior Charlie Anaya told WFAA he would see McGee every day - until recently.
"We didn't see her for a couple of days, and we were left concerned," he said.
Stone said that McGee appeared to be on the road to recovery, and her teachers expected her to come back to school, "and then it took a turn," she said.
Stone shared a similar story about Piasczyk, who she described as "the mother of the school."
"She worked at the school for 24 years, all at the same school," Stone said. "Beloved teacher."
Stone said Piasczyk was fully-vaccinated and got the booster dose of the COVID vaccine.
As of Friday, Oct. 1, Richardson ISD has seen a total of 1,106 student cases and 205 employee cases of COVID-19 since Aug. 2, according to the district's coronavirus dashboard.
There have been 106 total positive cases seen at Berkner High School (2,695 students and employees) this school year and five cases at the Christa McAuliffe Learning Center (108 students and employees), according to the district's dashboard.
During a school board meeting Monday, the district's director of health services, Ashley Jones, said McGee did not have underlying health conditions.
Jones also said another student from a secondary school is currently in an intensive care unit battling COVID-19. This student also doesn't have underlying health conditions, according to Jones.
According to the district's website, masks are still required for students and staff inside school buildings.
The district is holding a school board meeting Monday that can be watched here.
Meanwhile, Stone said Richardson ISD counselors will be available for students and staff. Those who wish to send the families their condolences can email condolences@g.risd.org.
For Anaya, he said he would remember McGee's sweet smile.
"She was a good girl," he said.