Statement from Dr. Michael Thorsland

An approximately thirty second video that began on TikTok has made it’s way to other social media platforms, and appears to paint School District of Oconee County  superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland in a negative light.

Dr. Thorsland issued the following statement this morning:

Last week I attended a follow-up faculty meeting at one of our elementary schools. A very short, specifically chosen, portion of a larger conversation from that meeting was recently shared on social media. As presented, I understand how those comments appeared very insensitive to teachers and our employees in general. That was not my intention, and I am sorry for the comments I made. 

At the original  faculty meeting I attended in November, a very small number of staff members displayed deeply negative attitudes that I felt were impacting the rest of the faculty and staff at that school. My attempt to address those staff members at the follow-up meeting was a mistake and should have been handled with private meetings. Instead, comments that were intended to address the very small number of people were portrayed in a way that made it appear I was making comments about an entire staff or even profession. Again, I am sorry that I said things that could be misrepresented like they were. 

Those who know me know that I hold teachers in very high regard. I visit over 100 of our classrooms every school year and see first hand what our teachers do each and every day. The impact that teachers have on students in our county and across the globe is immeasurable. In today’s society, a teacher’s role is even more important as students come to school with many needs other than just academics.  

I regret that my carelessness has resulted in this situation that has become a distraction for our staff and district as a whole. I value not only the teachers in our district, but all of the employees who work behind the scenes to support the instruction and care for students that goes on in our schools each day.