Peabody schools delayed after superintendent's death Friday

PEABODY, Mass. — Schools in Peabody were put on a two-hour delay Monday morning as principals, teachers and staff discussed how to talk to students about the sudden death of the superintendent.

Cara Murtagh died suddenly last Friday at the age of 44. So far the exact cause of her death has not been made public.

Funeral services are being planned for Thursday and Friday.

Murtagh has worked in Peabody schools for 23 years, rising from a teacher to vice principal and principal before being hired as the superintendent in July 2018.

Her family wrote in her obituary that she was a kind, generous and giving person who always put the students first.

School has been canceled on Friday to give students, faculty and staff the opportunity to attend Murtagh's funeral.

Cox Media Group