Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 school board President David Scarpino is shown speaking in a screenshot of Tuesday’s board meeting. (Courtesy of Shaw Media)
Since the start of the school year, Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 Board members and employees have faced threats and insults from a small number of parents, board President David Scarpino said.
These “unacceptable” behaviors have included parents shouting profanities at staff and extending middle fingers to them “in plain view of students,” along with sending “disrespectful and threatening emails, voicemail messages and phone calls,” Scarpino said at this week’s board meeting.
To illustrate the seriousness of the issue, Scarpino read excerpts of messages sent to employees and board members aloud. Some complained about the district’s COVID-19 plan, masks and vaccines, and others threatened legal action against the district and teachers.
“I view you as scum,” one message said. “Scum that will soon be wiped from existing.”
“We are now at a crossroads. Are we going to have a major conflict on our hands? I have an entire army ready to bring the guillotine down,” one person wrote. “You’re about to receive a very eye-opening lesson.”
One message told the recipient that “a little accountability is exactly what you deserve, and I’m getting ready to serve it to you,” while another called someone a “corrupt little puppet.”
“I hope you’re sweating. I hope you’re losing sleep,” Scarpino read from one message. “And if not, you should be.”
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