Career Educator, Former Tuscaloosa City Schools CFO Ed LaVigne Dead At 76

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former Tuscaloosa City Schools administrator Ed LaVigne, who was a crucial leader in the school system during some of its most turbulent times, died Monday after battling an unspecified illness.

He was 76.

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Born in Chicago in 1946 and later moving to Indiana as a small boy, LaVigne graduated from East Noble High School in Kendallville, Indiana, and later attended Ball State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, mathematics and chemistry.

From there, LaVigne went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in computer science.

However, it was during his time in Ann Arbor that LaVigne found his calling as a teacher.

According to his obituary, LaVigne was a high school mathematics and computer science teacher at the Grand Blanc Public Schools for 23 years, where he developed the computer science curriculum, taught AP computer science, and math. He also served as the president of the Grand Blanc Education Association.

LaVigne then served as the Technology Coordinator and the Director of Finance and Operations in the Kearsley Public Schools in Flint, Michigan, from 1992 to 2001. During this stretch, LaVigne helped to lead the implementation of computer labs, new technology, and fiber optic networks.

After a five-year stint as assistant superintendent and chief financial officer of the Sequoia Union High School District in Redwood City California, he moved to Tuscaloosa in 2008.

LaVigne then served as chief school financial officer for Tuscaloosa City School across the administrations of four different superintendents, providing "a steady hand who successfully helped guide the Tuscaloosa City Schools through the 2008 national financial crisis, the April 27, 2011 Tornado, and the millions of dollars in capital necessary to build new public schools in the City of Tuscaloosa."

He served as the city school's system's CFO until his retirement in 2020.

"Ed believed in making our children’s futures better and brighter," his obituary reads. "He had a passion for teaching. He dedicated his life’s work to our children, spending over 50 years of his life as an educator, helping students to achieve their goals and earn success. The positive memories and gratitude expressed by his former students on his Facebook page were truly heartwarming."

A proud Michigan Wolverines football fan and an Indiana Hoosier in basketball, LaVigne reportedly had a dedicated love of the Alabama Crimson Tide — so long as the Tide was not playing Michigan or Indiana.

LaVigne was also partial to enjoying a fine glass of wine with his diverse group of friends at Evangeline’s and was noted for his love of turtlenecks, multi-colored blazers and debating the issues of the day.

"Ed had a keen wit and mischievous sense of humor and could make everyone laugh," his obituary says "A lifelong Democrat, Ed believed in the Big Tent and that a Rising Tide lifted everyone. Ed was a passionate photographic artist, with a diverse portfolio and spectacular prints, which one was fortunate to have as a part of one’s art collection."

As part of his obituary, LaVigne's family expressed his gratitude to all his many friends who showered him with love during his illness, including: the Garrison family, the Winter family, Dr. Paul McKendrick, Jackie Spates, and his friends and colleagues at the Tuscaloosa City Schools.

LaVigne daughter Sarah LaVigne Gooden of Chicago and his older brother, William LaVigne, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also survived by his nieces, Christine (LaVigne) Rhine and Holli LaVigne, and nephews, Ben and Aaron LaVigne.

LaVigne was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother Eugene LaVigne of Newtown, Connecticut, along with his sister Candice Lavigne of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Arrangements have not been announced as of the publication of this story.

In lieu of flowers, LaVigne's family asks for memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of West Alabama at www.hospiceofwestal.com or mailed to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa Alabama 35404.

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