The Democratic Party of Racine County condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent social media rant by sitting Racine Unified School District board member, Mike Bellagio, who mocked retired teachers, calling them “pathetic,” “uneducated,” and “fools” in one Facebook comment posted among others this morning on our Facebook page.
“This shameful attack on our retired educators is beneath the dignity of public office. These are men and women who spent their lives in classrooms, shaping young minds, building futures, and serving our community. To ridicule them from an elected seat of power is not only cruel—it is a disgrace.
Every parent, student, and taxpayer should be alarmed that a school board member—charged with supporting education—chose to sneer at those who dedicated their careers to it. This is not leadership. This is bullying. And it reveals a deep contempt for the very profession this board member was elected to uphold.
Let us be clear: Racine’s teachers, past and present, are the backbone of our schools and the lifeblood of our community. Their work is honorable. Their sacrifices are real. They deserve our gratitude, not public humiliation from a board member who seems more interested in scoring cheap political points than showing even a shred of respect.
If Mr. Bellagio cannot control his disdain for educators, then he has no business sitting on a school board. The people of Racine deserve representatives who lift up our schools, not tear them down.
We demand an apology. Anything less is an admission that this member is unfit to serve.
Contact:
Kelly Gallaher
Democratic Party of Racine County Chair
414/350-6858 • info@racinecountydems.com
