A Kildeer Countryside School District 96 board meeting attracted more than 100 attendees on Tuesday, with public comment sharply divided over a middle school teacher's social media activity. The controversy centers on Carolyn Pinta, a Spanish teacher at Twin Groves Middle School, following her posts regarding the recent death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The discussion has ignited a community-wide debate on free speech, a teacher's conduct outside the classroom, and the role of social media in public discourse. Supporters and critics voiced their opinions directly to the school board, highlighting deeply held beliefs on both sides of the issue.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 people attended the Kildeer Countryside School District 96 board meeting to discuss teacher Carolyn Pinta.
- The controversy stems from Pinta's social media posts after the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
- Community members were split, with some calling for her dismissal and others defending her right to free speech.
- The district superintendent stated that personnel matters are confidential and personal social media use does not represent the district.
Origins of the Controversy
The issue gained public attention after the Lake County chapter of Moms for Liberty, a conservative advocacy group, highlighted social media posts made by Carolyn Pinta. Pinta is a well-known local activist, having founded the Pinta Pride Project, which organizes the annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade, and the local chapter of Moms Demand Action.
In response to a post about the followers of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, Pinta made comments comparing them to “young men in uniforms at a rally in the 30's.” Another post referenced Kirk's views on the Second Amendment, stating he “believed in the sacrificing of a few souls each year to keep his 2A rights.”
These posts prompted calls for her termination from the school district. Pinta later addressed the situation, clarifying her position on the matter.
“Of course, like most people in America who do social media, I did post about Charlie Kirk and did clearly state that he did not deserve to die. I vehemently disagree with everything he stood for, but gun violence is an issue,” Pinta explained.
Arguments from Concerned Parents and Residents
During the public comment portion of the board meeting, several individuals expressed strong opposition to Pinta's continued employment. They argued that her comments were inappropriate for an educator and created a hostile environment.
Parent Maria Neuhaus described Pinta as “a teacher in our district who once led a gun control chapter now celebrating the shooting of a young man.” Neuhaus also accused Pinta of using her public platform to intimidate parents within the community.
Rachel Sapozhnikov, who said her family members were victims of the Holocaust, voiced her dismay at the historical comparison made in Pinta's post. “I was outraged and appalled,” Sapozhnikov stated, explaining that it was offensive to “imply that parents and students like me simply agreeing with Charlie Kirk are Nazis.”
Freedom of Speech for Public Employees
The First Amendment protects the speech of government employees, including public school teachers, on matters of public concern. However, this protection is not absolute. Courts often use the Pickering balancing test to weigh the employee's interest in speaking out against the government's interest in promoting the efficiency of its public services. The context, content, and forum of the speech are all considered.
Suzanne Wahl, a resident of nearby Highland Park, also spoke against the comparison. “We're parents. We're not Nazis,” she said, adding that a significant percentage of local constituents hold conservative views.
Supporters Defend Teacher's Speech and Character
An equal number of attendees spoke in fervent support of Carolyn Pinta, defending her right to express personal opinions and praising her contributions to the community and her students.
Parent Dariusz Chmielewski framed the issue as a fundamental right. “This is about freedom of speech. It should have no relevance on her position as a teacher,” he argued. “We should cherish the fundamental right that we have as citizens to freedom of speech.”
The support came from fellow educators and local officials as well. Arlen Gould, a school board member from the neighboring Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 and a grandparent of District 96 students, shared a personal story. He said his grandson had contacted him to express support, saying, “we really like that teacher.” Gould praised Pinta for her ability to bring “people together who have never been able to speak to each other.”
Praise from Community Leaders
Community leaders also highlighted Pinta's positive impact. Ann McAuliffe, president of the Deerfield chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), described Pinta as a model educator.
“She is exactly the type of teacher I want standing in the front of the classroom,” McAuliffe said, listing attributes such as “integrity, purpose, passion, kindness, intelligence, empathy.”
Bill Manganaro, an Arlington Heights village trustee, commended Pinta for her leadership with the Pinta Pride Project and the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade. He praised her for her “support for our most vulnerable neighbors and family members,” concluding that “teachers like Carolyn Pinta save lives.”
About District 96
Kildeer Countryside School District 96 serves students from parts of Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, and Vernon Hills. It includes four elementary schools and two middle schools, one of which is Twin Groves Middle School where Carolyn Pinta teaches.
District 96 Responds to Community Concerns
In light of the heated public debate, District 96 Superintendent Katie Sheridan released an official statement. The statement clarified the district's position on employee conduct and personnel privacy.
“The district cannot discuss personnel matters,” Sheridan's statement began, adhering to legal and policy constraints. She emphasized that the views expressed by employees on their private accounts do not reflect the official stance of the school district.
“Staff members do not speak for the district or represent it in any capacity when using personal social media accounts,” the statement continued. Sheridan concluded by reaffirming the district's primary mission: “Please know that our focus remains on supporting the well-being and learning of our students each and every day.”
The board did not take any public action regarding Pinta's employment status during the meeting. The event concluded with the community still deeply divided over the complex intersection of a teacher's private life and public responsibilities.
