The chairman of a local Kentucky school board has stepped down following the resurfacing of a controversial social media post where he remarked on “shooting the Republicans.”
Jeffrey Miller, who led the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District, announced his resignation on Thursday, after serving since 2016. The announcement came from the newly elected chairperson, Sarah Shackelford Ross.
Miller’s post, made in reaction to a mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, back in 2018, suggested that if the perpetrators were victims of mass shootings, the NRA would be unbothered.
Kentucky Republican Representative Stephen Doan noted that his constituents brought Miller’s social media comments back into the spotlight following complaints this spring.
Doan explained that the situation emerged after he sought community input on reopening high school tracks. He used his Facebook page for this, where he began receiving messages from worried community members who wanted to express support but were frightened of any potential backlash.
One of Doan’s constituents shared a text expressing apprehension about attending a meeting due to concerns that their child’s graduation may be publicly tied to Miller.
More comments circulated, reflecting the sentiment that while Miller did apologize in the past, maintaining higher standards was crucial, especially affecting children.
Doan had previously called for Miller’s resignation in June after discovering that Miller had advocated for “political violence.”
Following Miller’s resignation, Doan remarked on social media that it was crucial for the community to see this change, emphasizing the need for someone committed to the welfare of the community and its children.
Shackelford-Ross and vice president Rachel B. Retherford did not respond when asked to comment on Miller’s past social media activity.
The district serves around 2,400 students across eight schools in Kenton County. A search began immediately to fill the newly vacant board seats.
According to Retherford, applications must be public for two weeks before the remaining board members will vote on new appointments within 60 days of a resignation.
The board indicated that Miller had publicly apologized for his earlier comments several years ago.
