Principal Died In Woodbury Of Self-Inflicted Gunshot: Police

WOODBURY, MN — On Wednesday, the South Washington School District confirmed the unexpected death of school board member Joe Slavin. Now, police are saying Slavin, 45, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The news initially came from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner.

Slavin lived in Woodbury. He was married and had three daughters.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone that knew Mr. Slavin. The family is grateful for the outpouring of support,” Michelle Okada, a Woodbury police spokeswoman, told the Star Tribune. Okada said an investigation into Slavin’s death could take as long as eight weeks.

"Joe had been a member of the School Board since his appointment in April of 2015," the district said in a statement. "He was closely connected to public education through his service to our neighboring school district – North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale where he was a principal at Skyview Middle School.
At this time, we extend our sincerest condolences to Joe’s family. He will be greatly missed."

Slavin had been a member of Independent School District 622 since 1995.

Woodbury police began investigating at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday after someone at Carver Lake Park reported a man who was unresponsive, the Woodbury Bulletin reported. There was no threat to the public, according to police.

Below is a statement released from School District 622 Superintendent Christine Osorio:

Dear District 622 Families,

It is with great sadness that I share with you that Joe Slavin, Skyview Middle School Principal, passed away unexpectedly today. Our thoughts and hearts go out to the Slavin family.

Mr. Slavin had been a member of the ISD 622 school community since 1995 and also served as a school board member in School District 833. Joe worked closely with teachers as an instructional technology coach, led building technology initiatives, and developed and taught online and blended courses at the university level.

His leadership and experience across educational settings contributed to District 622’s success as a destination school district in the Metro area. Joe was slated to become the new Director of Communications and Technology Innovation on July 1, 2017. We were excited about the prospect of him moving into this new position.

Social workers and counselors will be available to meet with students and staff and in the coming days. Below are some resources and tips on ways parents can help their children cope with feelings they may have concerning this type of loss.

Mr. Slavin was a warm and caring person. His presence and leadership will be deeply missed.

Sincerely yours,
Christine Osorio
Superintendent

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