Salem City School District sources have confirmed that Superintendent Sean Kirkland has passed away. More details will follow this evening. The Salem board of Education meets at 7 p.m.

Kirkland served as the superintendent of the district since Aug. 1, 2019, when he succeeded Dr. Joe Shivers following his retirement. Ironically, Dr, Shivers recently passed.

Prior to being named superintendent, Kirkland served as Salem High School Principal for five years, and as Junior High Principal for eight years. Kirkland dutifully served the Salem City School District for more than 30-plus years and was a leading force of the new school project being constructed.