Twin Cities Elementary School Principal Dies By Suicide: Family

ROSEVILLE, MN — The Roseville Area Schools community is grieving after the death of Edgerton Elementary Principal Brian Koland, who worked for the district for nearly three decades.

Koland died by suicide, Superintendent Jenny Loeck wrote in a letter to families Tuesday. His family gave the district permission to share the news.

Koland had been on a leave of absence since the start of the school year.

"Principal Koland’s family has given us permission to share with you that he died of suicide and asked that we continue to address the importance of mental health supports," Loeck wrote.

"This is a difficult subject for people of all ages to talk about."

Social workers and counselors will be on hand to meet with students and staff at schools across the district this week.

"Principal Koland was a warm and caring person," Loeck added. "His presence and leadership will be deeply missed, and his memory will be celebrated by the entire Roseville Area Schools community."

The district also shared resources for how to talk to children about death. Find them here.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7:

• 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Spanish line: 888-628-9454
• TTY: 800-799-4TTY (4889)