Thomas Hoffman, who served as Brody Middle School’s principal for 12 years, died Wednesday evening, Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, said in a letter to district staff and parents.

“We are heartbroken to share with you that our long-time principal, Thomas Hoffman, has passed away,” the letter said. “He has been the educational leader of Brody Middle School since 2012 and leaves a very large hole in our hearts and minds.”

Roberts wrote that Hoffman, 57, had a recent “diagnosis.” The letter did not say what the diagnosis was, but said that it “did not distract him from his commitment to our school and a strong finish to the school year.”

“Since joining our school a dozen years ago, he brought about positive changes to Brody,” the letter said. “Mr. Hoffman leaves a proud legacy at Brody.”

Hoffman previously served as the principal of Ames Middle School, as a high school principal in Chicago and as a language arts and history teacher in Arizona.

He also earned multiple master’s degrees, and spoke Spanish and French, said Brody Associate Principal JoLynn May.

“Iowa’s reputation for educational excellence is well known throughout the nation, and I am honored to join a school district that is a leader in adding to that legacy,” Hoffman said in a 2012 release from the school district announcing his appointment at Brody. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with everyone in the Brody community to support the work to provide our children with the best possible education.”

Principal remembered for being ready to learn

Colleagues remember Hoffman as someone who put students first and who focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment.

“In every daily announcements, Mr. Hoffman would remind students, we are ‘one day closer to high school,'” May said.

To help remind students about their options after high school, he hung different college pennants around the building. He also started an annual college, career and community fair for students, and arranged for 8th grade students to do college visits.

“Mr. Hoffman was a strong advocate for doing what is right,” May said. “He was courageous and had the strength to make tough decisions even if not popular.”

Merrill Middle School Principal Kathryn Panek remembers the long-time principal as a calm person who always wanted to learn more. Panek and Hoffman would most often see each other at monthly middle school principal meetings.

“He brought lots of calm and peacefulness to our principal meeting,” Panek said. “We worked hard to serve the kids.”

Panek credits Hoffman’s dedication to Brody’s International Baccalaureate program for its success.

In 2013, Brody became one of 10 schools in the district accepted as a candidate or member of the International Baccalaureate program. It was authorized as an IB World School in 2015.

“The IB program benefits all students, and is designed to be inclusive of all learners,” Hoffman said in a release from the school district announcing the school’s IB candidate status. “No matter what a student plans to do in high school and beyond, the IB program supports the district’s expectation that students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed at their next stage in life.”

Outside of school, the principal was an avid reader and adored his dogs, Magic and Rum Raisin, and his cat, Lady Gray, May said.

“Because of Mr. Hoffman, this world is a better and more peaceful place,” she said.

Brody Middle School will pay tribute to Hoffman in August, when school is back in session.

Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Thomas Hoffman, principal at Des Moines’ Brody Middle School, dies