'Beloved' MI Educator Found Dead At School: Police

IONIA COUNTY, MI — A beloved educator was found dead inside an Ionia County public school Wednesday, according to district officials.

District officials did not say where the educator was found dead, but Ionia High School, Welch High School and the Bulldogs Beginnings Preschool at Ionia High School were closed Thursday. All other schools in the district were open.

Officials did not identify the educator, including the name, age or gender.

District officials said grief counselors will be available Friday to support and comfort students and staff.

Ionia Public Schools Superintendent Ben Gurk called the news "heartbreaking" and said the deceased was a "beloved" educator.

"Everyone will process this tragic news in their own way; as a united community, we will support each other through these trying times," Gruk said.

Officials did not say how the educator died, but said there is no threat to the community.