SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (wxyz) — Some parents are expressing outrage over what they saw on social media, saying a local school board president has let them down. It comes at a time, when safety of students is a top concern. Northville Schools parent Christina Johnson says she recently read remarks shared on the personal Facebook page of President Matthew Wilk. “He totally downplayed the coronavirus pandemic and how serious it is.” says Johnson.
She adds that one post shared stated:
“Where are the videos of panic in the hospitals? They don’t exist. This “pandemic” exists only in falsified statistics shouted on the news without context.”
She says another post read:
“How about we allow schools to reopen and grandma can take the extreme precautions? She can wear a spacesuit when she “needs” to go out and shop and the rest of the world can go on about their lives...”
Bethany Courtnay, an alumna and now teacher in a neighboring district, tells us, “I’m not putting my grandma in a spacesuit.” She adds that a petition to have Wilks resign has since surfaced. We reached out to all 7 board members for an on camera interview.
The only one who agreed was trustee Angela Jaafar, who also took to Facebook to address the situation.
“He doesn’t speak for me.” Jaafar said.
She adds that the top priority remains the best interests and safety of students, staff and families. “We have to avoid distractions during a global pandemic,” Jaafar said.
Another trustee, Suzanne Lynn, shared a board statement. Part of it mentions a task force of 130 people making recommendations on how to safely educate 7,000 students this fall. So far, no decisions have been made. The school board president is up for re-election this year. So far, he’s not returned our calls for comment.
