PHOENIX -- An English teacher at Higley and Williams Field high schools died of complications from the H1N1 flu virus Friday, authorities said.

According to a letter sent to parents from Higley Unified School District, Gail Stapleton, 51, died of respiratory complications associated with asthma and H1N1 flu.

Stapleton had been on medical leave since Sept. 30. According to the Higley Unified School District, they don't believe any students came in contact with her after she had been diagnosed.

The district went on to say even prior to her becoming infected, they had put into place a system to keep the students germ-free. Hand sanitiser stations have been set up throughout the school. Information has also been distributed to students, faculty and workers about the importance of proper hygene during the flu season.

Originally, Higley High School was not scheduled to be a site for the H1N1 flu clinics, but after these developments, they are in talks to get a clinic going within the next few weeks.

Stapleton is survived by her husband Tim Jenson, son Joshua "Tammy" Grueneberg, daughter Jaime Grueneberg and many other family members and friends.

Both Higley and Williams Field high schools will have crisis counselors available to students and faculty Tuesday morning, according to the letter.

Stapleton's family will not hold a memorial service in Arizona.

Reporter Jose Miguel contributed to this story.