At an intense school board meeting at Easton Area School District last week, many residents made clear their disapproval of school nurse Kelly Keegan.
Easton Area School District leaders issued a joint statement, in which they acknowledged the public’s concerns but stressed they could not discuss any employee issues, including discipline, because employees have a right to confidentiality.
Superintendent Tracy Piazza and School Board President Jodi Hess said the matter is “being handled diligently, responsibly, and in strict accordance with school district policy, state and federal law.”
Piazza and Hess addressed the matter in writing after dozens of residents attended the Sept. 30 school board meeting urging Keegan’s termination. The calls came after screenshots circulated of Keegan’s online comments about Charlie Kirk.
After the death of the conservative activist, Keegan took to Facebook to allegedly call Kirk a “monster” and say that his wife and children are better off without him. She faced significant backlash from the community.
Following the post, Keegan was asked to stay home from work. Several weeks later, she was among other employees approved for a salary raise at the school board meeting, causing outrage among district residents.
Many in attendance at the school board meeting referenced other social media posts Keegan has made, including one where she allegedly mocked students who receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
All the posts appear to be deleted, with screenshots circulating online.
In the statement, which is visible on the district’s main website, Piazza and Hess acknowledged the number of residents who spoke at the school board meeting, and expressed appreciation for their participation in district affairs.
“We want to assure the community that every voice was heard, and your words, which were spoken with passion and conviction, have been carefully considered and reflected upon by both the administration and the school board,” the statement reads.
In their statement, district leaders acknowledged the concerns while stressing that the matter must be handled through established procedures.
“The social media statements made by the individual in question are not reflective of the core beliefs and values of our school district,” the statement read. “We understand the deep concern and disappointment these posts have caused.”
Piazza and Hess said they cannot publicly discuss details of the situation because it involves personnel, but noted it is being addressed in line with district policy, state and federal law.
The statement added that while the outcome may not be immediately visible to the public, the district is not ignoring the issue.
“During this challenging time, our priority to remain student centered remains the same,” they said. “We are unwavering in this commitment and focus, even during times of adversity.”
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