Career educator Mitchell Weiner, who devoted his entire professional life to IS 238in Hollis, Queens, passed away on Sunday -- the city's first loss to H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu. Whether the school might have closed sooner, or the experimental treatments offered to Weiner, or underlying medical conditionscontributed to his death, will be debated elsewhere. (Click herefor a list of schools that are currently closed.) What seems most important, in human terms, is Weiner'sheartfelt dedicationto the kids in his school. It's hard to imagine a more fitting epitaph for this "unsung, yet absolutely dedicated " leader (as he was described by principal's union leader Ernest A. Logan) than the words of Byron Lopez. his former student, quoted in today's Times. Lopez, who kept in touch with Mr. Weiner two decades after they shared a classroom, said: "He knew every kid's name."

This is the kind of personal connection and dedicationstudents respond to, as seedlings thrive with a steady flow of water. This is the kind of devotion that makes a school into a true community. And this is the kind of loss that, despite the political pot well on the boil, makes clear the essence of public education in New York City: Outstanding professionals pouring their energy, creativity and hard work into children, their families, and their school, in the service of a pure humanitarian ideal. Education for all, with love, support, and direction on the side.

With sincere condolences to Mr. Weiner's family, friends and the entire IS 238 community, we invite readers who knew him to contribute comments below -- to help those of us who didn't have the pleasure of his instruction, his legendary humor, or his inspiration, get a feel for a life's outstanding, and unfinished, work.

Update:   Three more Queens schools will close beginning tomorrow, according to the City's Department of Health:  the Q209 building in Whitestone (PS 209 and P9, a District 75 school), PS 19 in Corona, and PS 32 in Flushing.  The three schools together serve more than 3000 students.