The Omaha Public School District is responding to a report that a staff member at South High Magnet School died after a scuffle with students Tuesday.
The district confirms that Curriculum Specialist, Mr. Tom Dickey passed away. They also released details leading up to Mr. Dickey being taken to a hospital.
The district reports that during school breakfast a fight broke out involving approximately five female students. Mr. Dickey was one of approximately 10 staff members who immediately went to the area where the students were fighting to break it up.
Within an hour following the fight, Mr. Dickey reported to coworkers that he was not feeling well. He was transported to a hospital and his family contacted. Mr. Dickey later died.
OPS reports they are following up additional details on the incident and are cooperating with police. The students involved in the fight at the school are facing disciplinary action. That will not be released due to privacy laws.
The following is a release sent to staff at South High Magnet School:
Dear South High Magnet Staff:
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of South High Magnet’s curriculum specialists, Mr. Tom Dickey. We were informed that Mr. Dickey passed away unexpectedly at UNMC today. At this time, we do not have additional details.
Mr. Dickey has been a part of the South High Magnet family since 2015. He was a curriculum specialist at South High, and previously served as a marketing and math instructor at North High from 2003 to 2015. He was a positive influence on all of us.
The emotional response to grief can vary among students. Talking with students regarding loss and grief can be an important outlet for helping students express their feelings, especially if your students knew Mr. Dickey as an instructor. Please know that we are providing additional support by offering counseling services to students who would like to talk to someone.
School will continue as normal tomorrow. There will be opportunities for the South High Magnet family to come up with ways to share our feelings with the Dickey family, such as sharing special stories or memories of Mr. Dickey. You are certainly welcome to make or write a card to the family or share other ideas that you may have.
Please do not hesitate to stop by my office with any questions.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ruben Cano, Principal
South High Magnet, Omaha Public Schools