GOP Rep. Berny Jacques has released a letter from Pinellas County Schools confirming that Starkey Elementary teacher Kathleen Ryan, who wrote “Good riddance!” after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, is no longer employed with the district.
The same letter, signed by district staff attorney Laurie Dart, said Boca Ciega High School JROTC instructor Jay S. Jackson is “being addressed through the Office of Professional Standards.” Jackson drew attention for social media posts about Kirk, including, “Charlie Kirk was killed over his Radical Racist GOP beliefs … You get what you preach. He said it’s okay for a few to die to protect gun rights. He got the GUN.” Hours later, Jackson allegedly followed with, “When you speak or talk of your future. Sometimes you get what you wanted,” along with emojis.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. His death sparked outrage after several teachers were accused of making celebratory or mocking remarks online.
Jacques has been one of the loudest local voices demanding action. He had already called for both Ryan and Jackson to be fired and sent a letter to Superintendent Kevin Hendrick describing Jackson’s comments as “abhorrent, unbecoming, and unacceptable.” He wrote that he trusted Hendrick’s leadership would not tolerate “this kind of vile behavior.”
Jacques posted the district’s letter on X, saying, “Pinellas County Schools informed my staff that the Starkey Elementary teacher who said ‘Good riddance!’ in reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination is no longer employed! Additionally, the Boca Ciega High JROTC Instructor who thinks Charlie deserved it, is currently being addressed. I called for both of them to be fired and I’m happy to see that the school district is taking this seriously.”
With Ryan confirmed out of the district and Jackson under review, Jacques has made clear he will keep pressing until Jackson is dismissed, too.