Downingtown school principal dies

The principal of Bradford Heights Elementary School in Downingtown died unexpectedly Saturday, according to the district.

Michael Solon, 50, led the school for nine years and worked as an educator in Chester County for more than two decades. Patricia McGlone, spokeswoman for the Downingtown School District, said the district does not know the cause of death.

"He taught two of my own children, and they both say that Mike was their favorite teacher," McGlone said. "He is irreplaceable."

Solon joined the Downingtown district in 1991 and worked there through 1997 as a teacher at Pickering Valley Elementary School, in Upper Uwchlan Township. McGlone said he then worked for the Avon Grove School District and the Kennett Consolidated School District before returning to Downingtown to become principal at Bradford Heights.

The district, which started classes Aug. 25, had grief counselors available Monday for teachers and students, McGlone said.

Bob Clegg, who retired in 2011 as principal at West Bradford Elementary School, will serve as interim principal.

He is survived by his wife, Heather Barcio, a teacher at Pickering Valley Elementary School in the district, and five children.