Warning: This article contains offensive language.
Cooper, who’s now running for a U.S. Senate seat, posted on Facebook, “These horrific shootings in Minnesota should not have happened — American citizens should not be targeted and killed. As someone who has prosecuted violent criminals, I understand the importance of federal resources to fight crime, including resources focused on deporting violent criminals — but these actions don’t make people safe and this chaos needs to stop.”
Kromke responded by posting a meme in Cooper’s post, “Marked Safe From Being shot by ice because I’m not fucking retarded.”
Once a Facebook group, NHC Educational Justice, posted his comments, Kromke wrote to the group, “All — I deleted that insensitive post and I am sorry that I offended anyone, that was not my intention – Brian.”
WHQR reached out to Kromke for further comment. He wrote, “I would like to reiterate that I am very sorry for making that insensitive post. I did not intend to offend anyone and regret that I did.”
WHQR asked NHCS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes and Republican Board Chair Pete Wildeboer.
Barnes issued the following statement:
As your superintendent, I want to address a matter of concern that has been brought to my attention. A recent comment made by the Board of Education’s attorney was inappropriate and hurtful. I recognize the impact that language can have, and I want to be clear that I expect the highest standards of professionalism and respect from all who work with our district. I am a firm believer that the way we treat people matters, and the well-being of our students is essential to the work we do.
While I am unable to discuss personnel matters or provide specific details, I want to assure you that the issue is being addressed. Please understand that confidentiality obligations may limit what can be shared publicly regarding the outcome.
Unequivocally, I do not condone the language used. I value the dignity of every member of our community, and the views expressed in that comment do not reflect the values of New Hanover County Schools, the staff, or me as superintendent.
I respect the rights of individuals as private citizens, but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a supportive, welcoming, and respectful environment for students, families, and staff.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Wildeboer also issued a statement:
The New Hanover County Board of Education is aware of concerns related to a recent comment made by one of the Board’s attorneys. The language used was inappropriate and does not meet the standards of professionalism and respect that this Board expects from anyone representing or working on behalf of the Board of Education or the district.
Words matter, particularly in public service. As a Board, we are committed to maintaining a culture of respect, personal responsibility, and professionalism. While the Board cannot comment on personnel matters or share specific details, we want to assure our community that this issue is being taken seriously and is being addressed accordingly.
The Board does not condone the language that was used. We believe in treating every individual with dignity and respect and in upholding the public’s trust in our school system.
At the same time, we recognize the rights of individuals as private citizens and remain focused on our responsibility to provide a safe, orderly, and respectful environment for students, families, staff, and the broader community.
We appreciate the community’s continued engagement and support as we uphold high standards and remain focused on student success.
Democratic school board member Tim Merrick wrote to WHQR that he sees three “glaring issues” with Kromke’s post:
“1) [N]asty expression of political views unbecoming of any professional, that cannot be separated from his position on the school board (like he lectures board members about)
2) [P]rofanity.
3) [D]isregard and denigration of people with developmental disabilities.
Of these three I am most appalled at his use of the word retarded. As a former special ed teacher he has zero excuse for this.”
Merrick said he plans to “call for an immediate review and potential nullification of his contract.”
In his legal profile online, Kromke said he was “a sixth-grade special education teacher at C.I.S. Academy in Durham, North Carolina.”
In early January, Kromke and his colleague Norwood Blanchard, who serve as the two main attorneys for the district, finished reviewing updates to the board’s technology use policy, which includes social media. While the attorneys, as contractors, are not necessarily bound by these social media policies, Barnes has said in the past that those who represent the district have to act in an ethically responsible way.
Barnes told the board and his employees in November that they yes, they do have First Amendment rights of freedom of speech but that representatives of the district have to remember how they are “saying it,” and that they are not “disassociated from being a role model online.”
Earlier this month, WHQR was also notified by the public that a Brunswick County Schools teacher, Wanda McLamb, was filmed shouting expletives at someone over a parking spot.
WHQR reached out to BCS, and a spokesperson replied, “Brunswick County Schools is aware of a video circulating on social media involving an employee. The district’s Human Resources Department is reviewing the matter in accordance with established procedures,” he said, “At this time, no additional information is available. Brunswick County Schools will provide an update, as appropriate, at the conclusion of the review.”
