Former LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Michelle King passed away at 57 on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Dr. King became the first African American and the second female superintendent when she took the position in Jan. 2016. After two years, however, she retired after announcing her cancer diagnosis.

With King as superintendent, the district reached its highest graduation rate through the funding of credit recovery classes.

Prior to being superintendent, Dr. King had worked for the district for 33 years and was an LAUSD student since elementary. She graduated high school at Palisades High School.

“She was a collaborative and innovative leader who broke down barriers to create more equitable opportunities for every student. Her warmth, love and generosity transformed countless lives and left a legacy that will continue to impact us for generations.” LAUSD said in a statement announcing her death.