Bill Formica Controversy
Bill Formica's lack of character and propriety has been on display on his social media for several years. He not only disparages women, but also teachers, people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community. He has shown us who he is, and he is not someone who should represent our district, or its children.
Read the official correspondence below.
Mailer sent by safrl prior to the 2023 election
Email sent by Dr. Gallagher and Ken Keith 8/2/2024
Important Statement for Our Community
Dear SASD Parent/Guardian,
Last week, one of our School Board members used inappropriate language and poor judgement in a comment posted on social media regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. The comment has been shared widely and has received a significant amount of attention in our community. We want to take a moment to address this matter.
First, it’s important that our school community knows that the comments or actions of an individual board member, administrator or employee of the District do not represent the board as a whole, the administration or others in our employee groups. We believe that school leaders should be strong role models, acting with the same respect, civility and kindness that we ask of our students. In almost all of our communications, we proudly share our school district motto and tagline – “A community where character counts” – and we routinely showcase the many ways in which we as a school community really do live out these words.
The Board has asked for some time to process this situation and that time is being afforded. However, we do not want a delay in communication from the District to be perceived as a lack of concern or disregard for the impact these comments have had on our community. Words matter. Respect matters. Our schools and offices must be spaces where diverse opinions are honored – but where respect is required.
As a team, our focus is on preparing for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. We are excited to welcome our students and staff back to our schools. There is so much good – and we are committed to ensuring that this school year is a great one – for all of us.
Sincerely,
Frank T. Gallagher, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ken R. Keith
President, Souderton Area Board of School Directors
SAFRL's response to the email sent by Dr. Gallagher and Ken Keith 8/2/2024
On July 27, we shared a tweet from Souderton school board director Bill Formica regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. It was lewd and offensive to anyone who truly believes that Character Counts. Yesterday, Frank Gallagher and Ken Keith sent an email to the community stating that “The Board has asked for some time to process this situation and that time is being afforded.” Dr. Gallagher maintains that one individual board member does not represent the whole. However, the Board appointed this man. By doing this, they have shown us quite plainly that they do not believe character counts.
The community demands that the Board acts swiftly. This is one of a series of offensive, racist, and sexist statements that Mr. Formica has made before and during his time on the Board. He has repeatedly disparaged women, minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and even teachers! There is nothing new here.
Mr. Formica was appointed to the Board upon Donna Scheuren’s resignation in 2023. The Board decided to appoint Mr. Formica, at least partly, because he garnered the most votes in the 2023 primary election. We call on the Board to employ that same principle now. The five highest vote getters in the 2023 general election won seats on the Board. Ms. Elise Bowers earned the next highest number of votes. The Board must demand Mr. Formica’s resignation and appoint Ms. Bowers.
The outcry has been loud and clear. And we at SAFRL are so encouraged to see this community put its values ahead of political partisanship. You have spread the message on social media, you have texted your friends, and they have done the same. You have called the district and sent emails to the Board and administration. When we all work together, we can affect change here in Souderton.
Please join us at the August 29th Board Action Meeting (UPDATED 8/29 - new location is Indian Valley Middle School Auditorium) to demand Mr. Formica’s resignation and the appointment of Ms. Bowers. Follow us for updates and to learn how you can get involved.
Bill Formica's "Apology" 8/23/24
Dear Souderton Area School District Community,
I recently made an impulsive and unprofessional response on my personal Twitter account regarding Kamala Harris. I recognize that this behavior did not reflect the professionalism expected of me. For that, I sincerely apologize to my supporters, those who voted for me, and everyone who entrusted me with this position.
I also want to extend my apologies to the board members and administration. I realize this situation has created unnecessary challenges for you, despite your lack of involvement. This has become a distraction from our primary mission of effectively managing the district, and for that, I am deeply sorry.
To clarify, my post was directed at a national political figure, not any individual or group within our community. However, I understand that my actions were misguided and inappropriate.
This incident has been a significant learning experience. Upon realizing the impact of my post, I promptly removed it and began reflecting on the role of social media in our lives. I now see it as a source of division and negativity and have decided to step away from it entirely. I have not read or engaged with any posts, articles, or emails related to this matter since the incident. The only information I have about what was shared comes from others.
I value the opinions of those who know me well and understand that this incident does not reflect my broader values or commitment to this role. I respect the democratic process and the will of the people who elected me. My priority remains ensuring that our schools provide an excellent education and prepare our students for success. I am dedicated to staying focused on our goals and addressing the needs of our community, rather than getting involved in unproductive disputes.
I am not someone who avoids discussions or hides behind a computer screen. Therefore, I will be reiterating this apology at the upcoming Board meeting on August 29th.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely, William A. Formica III
SAFRL's response to Bill Formica's "Apology" 8/23/24
Mr. Formica,
We read your apology, and we say Do Better. We are the SAFRL team, the team behind the candidates who opposed you. We are women. We are moms. We are preparing our kids for a life in the real world.
You own your own business, and therefore, you can decide to display big political signs out front because you are the boss. You can say whatever you want without consequences. Congratulations on being the boss. But in the real world, our kids have to be prepared to NOT be the boss. They need to take direction from superiors who might be women. Women who earned that position through hard work and determination. They need to work well with others who might be gay or black. They need to respect people whether they are liberal or conservative.
This isn’t about Kamala Harris, and this isn’t an unproductive dispute as you say. The community sees you now. This is a pattern of behavior that has played out on X and LinkedIn for over a year - it’s not just one poor decision. You have disparaged women, minorities, immigrants, teachers, and the LGBTQ+ community. You’re not sorry for what you said. You’re sorry that you got called out for it.
Do you wonder what the students in the district think about your behavior? Do they think a person who has openly disparaged people who may be like them will make the best decisions on their behalf? What if they are gay or trans? What would you say to them?
Your solution to this problem is to stay off social media and that will make all your problems go away. Guess what? In the real world that us moms live in, that doesn’t work. We live in a global economy that is rapidly diversifying, even here in Souderton. We live and work amongst people of all types. We live in this world 24/7 and don’t have the privilege to just turn it off and walk away. You can isolate yourself, but that does not undo the damage that you have caused. You may have placated yourself and your fellow board members but you have done nothing to show the community that you are actually sorry. You have only apologized to the people who know you or voted for you.
We suggest that you actually solve the problem that we see. We see you look down upon, and say hateful things about people who don’t look or think like you. And as an elected official, that is not acceptable. Staying off social media does not solve that problem. Ignoring emails from community members who have concerns does not solve that problem. These actions only hide the problem.
You represent everyone in this district. That is the definition of a public servant. We deserve better - Souderton deserves better - from our school leaders. This incident does, in fact, reflect your broader values and commitment to your role. Here in SASD you are not the boss. Your role is different. If you really want to prepare students for success, as you say, you will lead by example and resign.