School Principal Found Dead at Home

Update: Newark Unified School District officials and parents of local students are expressing surprise and sadness over the death of a local school principal.

District officials said Tuesday they have received news of the death of Tim Culbertson, principal of the .

The family notified the school district of Culbertson’s death, and an email to employees was sent out soon afterward, school officials said.

An official with the Alameda County Coroner's Office confirmed Wednesday that Culbertson was found dead in his Fremont home of natural causes.

Newark's Board of Education dedicated its Tuesday meeting to the late principal.

Board President Charlie Mensinger said Culbertson was a strong advocate for students and education.

"He was a very, very good man," said Mensinger, who expressed regret on behalf of the board. "We wish his family the best."

Gary Stadler, parent of a Newark Memorial High School student, said the news of Culbertson’s death has impacted the school community as a whole.

“He was a great guy,” said Stadler, who said Culbertson was a good friend. 

Counselors will be on hand at MacGregor on Wednesday to assist students and staff, with said Liz Warren, executive assistant to the district superintendent.

Culbertson headed the center, which includes the district’s adult school along with Crossroads Alternative School and the district’s Community Day School.