The Robbinsville community is mourning the loss of school district Superintendent Steven Mayer.
The message, scrawled in rainbow-hued crayons and decorated with hearts, said it all.
"RIP Mr. Mayer. You are a good man. Rest in peace."
Ava A., who signed the makeshift memorial, and nearly 3,000 other students returned to a changed landscape Thursday when schools reopened in Robbinsville after a two-day closure.
Grief counselors and teachers stood by to help the youngsters process the tragedy, news of which spread quickly throughout the close-knit community.
An early-morning automobile accident on Tuesday took the life of Superintendent Steven Mayer, who in nearly seven years at the helm of Robbinsville's three schools forged exceptionally strong ties with students, parents, faculty and administrators.
Thousands expected at service for superintendent
During a career that included teaching in the Howell schools and a stint as principal in the West Windsor-Plainsboro district, Mayer demonstrated leadership skills and an ability to relate equally well to all members of the community he served.
By the glow of candle light at an emotional vigil at Foxmoor Community Park Tuesday night, as dazed mourners clutched each other in sorrow, school board president Matthew O'Grady urged those gathered to remember the educator's energy and big smile.
Others took to social media sites to express their grief and their enormous respect for a man Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer) described as passionate, dedicated and kind.
"Dr. Mayer also wanted the students and schools to be the best," the lawmaker said on the township's Facebook page "He represented the very best."
The decision to close township schools on Tuesday and Wednesday was both well thought out and reasonable. It gave the students who learned from him and the teachers who worked for him time and space to try to make sense of their loss.
Students return to school after superintendent's death
It also gave parents the opportunity to explain to their young sons and daughters why they won't be seeing Mr. Mayer's engaging grin in the school halls any more. We don't envy them that challenge.
Compounding the tragedy is the devastation facing the family of the 17-year-old student whose car authorities say struck and killed the superintendent as he was on an early-morning run. The crash is under investigation. No charges have been filed.
The many ways individuals and groups have rallied in the aftermath of this week's accident give testament not only to the solidarity of a grieving community, but also to the respect residents had for a singularly beloved leader.