Jeffrey Miller, the chairman of the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District in Kentucky, has resigned after a past online post allegedly advocating violence against Republicans resurfaced, as the New York Post reports. The situation prompted community concern and backlash, initiating efforts to find his successor.
Miller had been the chairman since 2016, but his tenure ended on a Thursday under the announcement of newly-elected chairperson, Sara Shackelford-Ross.
The controversy stemmed from a past post dating back to 2018. This post, which followed a tragic event in Jacksonville, Florida, purportedly suggested violent action against members of the Republican Party.
Kentucky state representative Steven Doan revealed that these comments re-emerged after some constituents expressed concerns earlier this year.
The issue initially surfaced in spring with a request concerning the reopening of a high school track. Representative Doan sought community opinion on the matter through social media, sparking a wave of messages from worried community members.
According to Doan, locals were apprehensive about publicly supporting his stance due to fears of potential repercussions related to Miller's previous online remarks.
Fear of backlash was explicitly noted when a resident candidly communicated their concern about the adverse consequences for their son's education. The message called into question Miller's 2020 apology, perceived by some as unacknowledged, especially in light of his position within the educational district.
Intensified by a public opinion piece written by Doan in June, which criticized Miller's call for violence, public dissatisfaction continued to grow. The op-ed increased inquiries concerning how one might step down from the school board. This dissatisfaction led to escalating pressure on Miller to resign.
Following the op-ed’s publication, a community friend tipped Doan about calls to the County Clerk’s office. These inquiries indicated a growing interest in the procedural aspects of a school board resignation specifically related to their district. Doan publicly acknowledged the collective responsibility of the community in Miller's decision to vacate his position.
Sara Shackelford-Ross announced that the board would initiate the process of finding a replacement for Miller. The vacancy would be advertised for two weeks, and applications would be accepted during that time. The remaining board members are tasked with appointing a new member within a 60-day window following the resignation to ensure continuity.
The district, which serves approximately 2,400 students across eight schools in Kenton County, needs a swift and effective transition to maintain its standards of service to students and the community. As the process begins, there is an understanding of the necessity to restore trust and uphold the district's values.
Rachel B. Retherford, associated with the board, explained the structured process for filling the vacancy. Transparency and public participation are essential, as active community involvement is expected to remain a priority.
With Miller's resignation, the district looks toward this period as an opportunity to reset and refocus. It presents an opportunity for new leadership committed to pacifying community tensions while steering educational directives for Kentucky’s youth.
