Travis Unified School District announced Monday that it lost a valued member of its administrative team following the death of Tom Newsom, principal of Alternative Programs at the Travis Education Center.Newsom, “the heart and soul of education for students in the district’s alternative programs” died Sunday, according to a press release.

“He had a heart for all students that was evident every day when he walked onto the campus of the Travis Education Center,” said Kate Wren Gavlak, superintendent of the Travis Unified School District, in a press release. “Students loved and respected Mr. Newsom, as did parents and staff members, alike.”

She worked with Newsom for seven years and from day one his passion for the students was evident, she said.