JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A northeast Florida school will remain closed through next week's spring break after its headmistress was gunned down in her office by a former teacher.

Authorities say 28-year-old Spanish teacher Shane Schumerth was fired Tuesday before returning to the Episcopal School of Jacksonville in the afternoon and killing 63-year-old Dale Regan. He then committed suicide.

Details about Schumerth's firing were not immediately available.

The gunman's father, Steve Schumerth of Culver, Ind., told The Florida Times-Union his family is in shock. He says the family sends prayers to the Episcopal School family.

Regan had worked at the school for more than 30 years. Schumerth was a 2007 graduate of Purdue University.

School officials say counseling and pastoral care will be provided to students, staff and others.

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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.