Mayor of Rotherham 'deeply saddened' by death of headteacher
Cllr Haroon Rashid had previously welcomed pupils from Willows School into his Parlour at the Town Hall for an official visit
The Mayor of Rotherham has shared his “deep sadness” at the passing of beloved headteacher Rachael Booth.
Cllr Haroon Rashid revealed his upset following news of her passing earlier this week.
Speaking to the Advertiser, he revealed students from the special education school in Thurcroft had been the first official visitors to his Parlour at the Town Hall.
He pointed out a handmade card on the wall by his flags of office which he has proudly displayed ever since the pupils from The Willows Post-16 paid a visit to the Mayor's headquarters at The Crofts in Rotherham town centre.
The card features the word 'congratulations' in gold and red wrapped in the Mayor's civic chains of office hand-drawn by the students.
Inside the card the message reads: “Dear Cllr Haroon Rashid,
“Congratulations on your election on becoming the new Mayor of Rotherham.
“Best wishes for a great year.
“From The Willows, Post 16.”
The Mayor also revealed he had seen one of the students in recent weeks and they remembered him and their visit to the Town Hall which he described as a “heart-warming and emotional moment.”
In an official statement, the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Haroon Rashid said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rachael Booth.
“Having recently welcomed pupils from The Willows School to the Town Hall, I know what a special school community she helped to create.
“A wonderful drawing given to me by one of the pupils when I became Mayor will continue to have pride of place in my Parlour.
“My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Rachael’s family, friends, colleagues, pupils and everyone at the school at this incredibly difficult time.”