UPDATE: Comal ISD Trustee Dale Dehlin Died Sunday at Age 41

(New Braunfels, TX) -- First year Comal ISD School Board Trustee for Dist. 4, Dale Dehlin, died unexpectedly on Sunday.

Dehlin was still in his first year as an elected representative on the CISD school board after being elected in May of 2011. He had lived in Comal County for nearly two decades and was an active member of the Canyon Lake Little League, including serving as president.

CISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Walker said in a statement released on Monday that the Comal ISD family is, quote, “stunned and deeply saddened” by the loss of Dehlin. Walker went to say that, during his brief time on the board, Dehlin was an unflinching source of support for students and administration, and Walker added that he will miss him. To hear more of his comments, click the Audio Clip link at the end of this story.

Comal ISD School Board President Frank Baker also expressed deep sadness at the loss of Dehlin, saying that he was a prime example of community involvement and community engagement. Baker added that the school board’s prayers are with Dehlin’s son and wife.

District officials say they are doing everything possible to provide comfort and assistance to the Dehlin family, along with students and staff at Canyon Lake High School where Dehlin’s son is a sophomore. Counselors will be available for students, faculty, and staff throughout the week.

After a period of mourning, the remaining trustees will have to decide how to handle the vacancy now left on the school board. State law says that the board has two options:
• Leave Dehlin’s seat unfilled until the next regular election for that seat,
• Or appoint someone to that seat for the remainder of Dehlin’s term.
Trustees will likely not discuss those issues at this week’s CISD School Board meeting, so we’ll keep you posted.

Sources close to Dehlin say he died of natural causes. So far there has been no word on funeral arrangements for Dehlin, but as soon as they are released, we’ll have that update.