Statement Regarding the Comments of School Board Member Dr. Gene Posca

The Indian River County Education Association (IRCEA) strongly condemns the inaccurate and harmful accusations made by School Board member Dr. Gene Posca at the April 22nd board meeting regarding the teachers at Sebastian River High School. We demand an immediate retraction of these statements and a formal public apology to our dedicated educators.

Dr. Posca referenced the 2023 graduation ceremony, alleging that "the majority of teachers did not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, did not put their hands over their chest." Video evidence from the School District of Indian River County’s YouTube channel clearly shows both the graduating students and the faculty standing respectfully for the National Anthem during the ceremony. This event also honored nine graduates who were enlisting in the Armed Forces, demonstrating the school's support and respect for the military. Though he later clarified that he had confused the Pledge of Allegiance with the National Anthem, the core of his claim—that our teachers cannot be trusted to do their jobs —is entirely unfounded and offensive.

Dr. Posca's accusations stated "there's a nexus of people at that school who disrespect the military, disrespect the Constitution and ultimately as a parent I would feel like I cannot trust them alone with my students." He stated that he saw a "big red flag" and a "dereliction of leadership" at Sebastian River High School. These defamatory remarks undermine the trust and respect between educators and the community. Such statements are not only incorrect but are damaging to the reputational integrity of our teachers and the school's leadership.

Teachers and staff in our community are dedicated to building better lives and have made the commitment to support students so they can grow, thrive and be inspired by their education. When our elected officials disparage teachers and staff with false statements, what they are doing is actually casting doubt on the ability of our educators to do their jobs. Public education in our community and in our state is under attack. When those who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of our students and public school employees are focused on made up situations instead of making sure our educators are paid fairly and our students are supported, our communities lose.

By disseminating these unfounded claims, Dr. Posca appears to leverage his position as a school board member for personal political advantage. Both his intentially false statements and his political posturing are a breach of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Board Members as outlined in the SDIRC School Board Bylaws. IRCEA upholds the highest standards of truth and integrity in our educational community and expects the same from our elected officials. We stand firm in our request for Dr. Posca to correct the false narratives he has promoted and to uphold the ethical standards expected of his office.

Lunch & Learn

Learn what your union is doing for all teachers. Hear about the benefits and protections of your contract and ask the questions that are most important to you. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

See when we are visiting your school:

• Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Beachland Elm.

• Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Citrus Elm.

• Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Dodgertown Elm.

• Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Fellsmere Elm.

• Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Glendale Elm.

• Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Indian River Academy Elm.

• Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Liberty Elm.

• Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Osceola Elm.

• Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Pelican Elm.

• Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Sebastian Elm.

• Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Treasure Coast Elm.

• Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Vero Beach Elm.

• Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Rosewood Elm.

• Feb. 8th, 10:30 - 1:40: Freshman Learning Center.

• Feb. 8th, 10:30 - 1:40: Vero Beach High School.

• Feb. 8th, 10:30 - 1:40: Gifford Mid.

• Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Oslo Mid.

• Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Storm Grove Mid.

• Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Sebastian River Mid.

• Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Sebastian River High School.

• Feb. 9th, 7:00 - 8:00: Wabasso - Breakfast.

• Feb. 12th: ESE District/ESE PreK.

• Feb. 12th: Treasure Coast Tech.

• Feb. 12th: County Office.

• Feb. 12th: Indian River Prep.