Teachers targeted online, Francis Howell board urges civility and support

At the July 16 meeting of the Francis Howell School District board, a kindergarten teacher described months of social‑media harassment and asked trustees to develop formal protections and an investigation process for employees who are targeted.

Becky Cormath, who identified herself as a kindergarten teacher at Independence Elementary, told the board she has been "the target of an ongoing social media campaign of bullying and defamation" for the past three months and said posts included falsehoods about her child's medical information and her professional competence. "These are malicious attempts to destroy my professional reputation and personal peace," Cormath said.

Board members responded with public statements of support. Trustee [name in transcript: President Blair] urged the community not to attack teachers at public forums and said, "We ask that you do not attack our teachers and staff, particularly at a public forum." Several trustees called the attacks cowardly, demanded civility and said the district would support staff within the limits of its authority.

Trustees also acknowledged limits to the district's ability to act on conduct that occurs off campus and on social media but said they would not remain neutral when misinformation or defamation targets employees. One trustee recommended residents "stand up against hate speech of any kind" and others encouraged parents and community members to focus public attention on the district's positive work.

Cormath asked the board to consider creating a comprehensive regulation outlining how the district will investigate claims, support targeted employees and 'push back' against malicious misinformation. Trustees thanked her for speaking and asked administration to consider next steps.

The board's public statements at the meeting made clear trustees view online harassment of staff as unacceptable and urged community members to model civility ahead of the new school year.