Rock Hill teacher apologizes after Facebook post after election

ROCK HILL, S.C. — A Rock Hill middle school teacher spent Friday on leave, apologizing to people she offended in a Facebook post.

School district officials said Sharon Aceta, who teaches eighth-grade math at Rawlinson Road Middle School, was not in class.

Following Tuesday’s presidential election, Aceta posted on her personal Facebook page: “Congrats Obama.  As one of my students sang down the hallway, 'We get to keep our food stamps' ...which I pay for because they can't budget their money... and really, neither can you."

School spokeswoman Elaine Baker said several people had called to complain about the post.

"We’ve heard from a number of people who said they were offended by the message," Baker said. "The teacher has admitted that poor judgment was used in this case, and she is very apologetic."

Aceta quickly removed the Facebook post after complaints started reaching the school.

Teachers in the Rock Hill school district are often reminded about being careful when the use social media such as Facebook and Twitter. It is discussed during teacher orientation, staff meetings, and throughout the school year.

"Sometimes you just can't speak out publicly about what you'd personally like to say, about anything," Baker said. "Teachers are held to higher standards because of what they do."

Baker added that though Aceta violated the district's social media policy, she will likely not face further disciplinary action, and should return to the classroom on Monday.

Channel 9 went by Aceta's apartment in Matthews on Friday afternoon.  She could not be reached for comment.

WSOC