FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2008


Brevard mourns passing of Dr. Thomas McIntyre

VIERA — Brevard Public Schools is mourning the passing of Dr. Thomas McIntyre, a 30-year veteran educator in the district and Area 1 Superintendent. McIntyre, 56, died this morning at Holmes Regional Medical Center after battling cancer.

“Words are inadequate to fully convey the respect and admiration I have felt for Tom,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “His professionalism, his expertise, and truly, his heart for children, made him the consummate educator. To say ‘we will miss him’ does not do justice to this loss. Brevard’s Space Coast has lost the light of one shining star today. Now we must find our way forward in a world without that light, consoled by the memory of what Tom has meant to us all.”   

DiPatri announced that all schools and district work sites will join in a simultaneous moment of silence on the first day of school to honor McIntyre’s memory. The observation was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 18.

“Tom embodied the best of what any parent would want in their child’s teacher, coach or principal,” said School Board Chair Janice Kershaw. “His honesty, integrity and sense of fair play were traits that made him an example to others. On behalf of the School Board, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues. We were all blessed to have known and worked with Tom, and his absence will be felt throughout the community.”

McIntyre had served as Area 1 Superintendent since 2003 and was responsible for the administration and supervision of 24 schools and more than 22,000 students in south Brevard. His tenure with Brevard Public Schools began in the spring of 1978 with a brief assignment as a physical education teacher at Palm Bay Elementary School. By the fall of 1978 he was working at Melbourne High School, teaching math, physical education and coaching several sports. He next served as a dean and assistant principal at Melbourne High School (1986-88), Southwest Middle School (1988-90) and Stone Middle School (1990-91). McIntyre was appointed principal at Rockledge High in 1991 before returning to Melbourne High School as principal from 1999-2003.

“All of us who have had the privilege and pleasure of working with Tom over the last 30 years -- whether employee or community member -- have suffered a great loss today,” said Deputy Superintendent Lee Berry. “Tom’s dedication and commitment to his family and to his career are an example for all of us to strive for in our lives. I will treasure his friendship and professional association for the rest of my life.”

McIntyre received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University in 1974 and his master’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1978. He earned his doctorate in education from the University of Central Florida in 2000.

McIntyre always said that he enjoyed seeing students succeed. His biography on the district website contains the following quote: “There is no moment that is more satisfying than when you see the reaction of a student who has accomplished a goal. The look on their face makes everything that you have had to do worthwhile.”

McIntyre is survived by family, including his wife, Mary, and children Sean, Patrick and Eric. Final arrangements have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, McIntyre’s family requests that donations be made to the Brevard Schools Foundation for the creation of an endowed student scholarship fund. Contributors should make checks payable to the “Brevard Schools Foundation” and write “McIntyre Endowment Fund” in the memo area. Donations may be mailed to:

Brevard Schools Foundation
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940

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