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Rockaway Township teacher resigns after public outcry over social‑media post; board cites personnel confidentiality
Summary
Elizabeth McFarland Clark, a fifth‑grade teacher at KDM Elementary, was added to the personnel agenda as a resignation and the board voted to accept the change following multiple public comments condemning a social‑media post that appeared to celebrate the assassination of a public figure.
Elizabeth McFarland Clark was listed on the Rockaway Township Board of Education’s personnel agenda as a resignation effective Nov. 17, 2025, and the board voted to add that resignation to the agenda and approve it during its September meeting after an extended public comment period.
The matter drew several public speakers who said they were disturbed by social‑media posts they attributed to a KDM Elementary teacher that celebrated the reported assassination of a public figure. Tucker Kelly, a Rockaway resident, told the board he found the posts “unbelievable,” said the remarks glorified violence and asked the board to act. Several other residents echoed that sentiment and requested transparency and decisive action.
The resignation was added during the personnel section after a motion to amend the personnel chart to include “Elizabeth Clark, fifth grade math teacher, KDM Elementary, date of termination 11/17/2025, discussion: resignation.” The motion to move the personnel section as amended passed on a roll‑call vote. Board members recorded in roll calls included Mrs. Carrie LaRue (yes), Ms. McGeary (yes), Mrs. Mezick (yes), Miss Richardson (yes) and Board President Dr. Thomasini (yes). The board noted that personnel matters are subject to confidentiality and that members could not discuss specific investigative details in public.
Several residents requested a public statement from the district. Board President Dr. Thomasini read a prepared statement noting that the district had been notified of concerning social‑media posts, that the safety and trust of students and staff remain the highest priority, and that the matter was being handled in accordance with district policies and state law. The statement said counseling and support services are available in all schools and thanked the community for its cooperation.
Board counsel advised that, because the matter involved personnel, confidentiality laws limited what members could say publicly about ongoing personnel proceedings. The board did not provide details of investigative steps but said the district would follow its policies and legal obligations.
Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows roll‑call approvals for the personnel amendment that added the listed resignation and for the board’s routine education, administration and finance recommendations that were presented later in the agenda. The personnel action was recorded as carried. The board also conducted a previously noticed closed session earlier in the meeting and reconvened in public to complete business.
The board’s public statement and the posted personnel action were the final public actions recorded at the meeting; the district emphasized that counseling and support services are available for students and staff.
