THE ISSUE

A Florence Board of Education member resigned after posting comments on Facebook that offended teachers and embarrassed the school board.

For all the positive human interaction associated with social media there lurks a danger that can damage personal and business relationships.

The hazard lies in saying too much, going too far, crossing the line between professionalism and devil-may-care recklessness.

Former Florence city school board member Jim Fisher may have crossed that line when he posted comments recently to Facebook about the animosity brewing between teachers, the school board and Superintendent Janet Womack.

Some teachers are angry at the board for giving Womack a $22,000 raise after 2 1/2 years on the job when they have not received a pay raise since 2007.

In the posting, Fisher defended the board’s decision to give the raise and restated the positive steps the superintendent has made for the school system, including bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also lectured teachers — with a bit of sarcasm — about what the board has done for them.

After hearing from teachers and board President Bill Jordan, Fisher quit his school board position. But he said he stands by the post on his personal Facebook page and sticks by his decision to resign.

Frankly, we are confused by the resignation. If he said what he believes and stands by it, why quit?

We understand the anger from some teachers and the embarrassment of some school board members, but Fisher might have been able to overcome the problem he created for himself.

The resignation seems as impetuous as the social media posting that sparked it. Regardless of whether Fisher should have resigned, however, the fact stands that he is gone. Now it is up to the school board to rebuild trust and relationships, to let teachers know they are genuinely appreciated without it being perceived as damage control.

All parties in this rift need to remember the school bell will ring again tomorrow. The classrooms will fill with students who are counting on their teachers, their superintendent and their board to work together to provide the best education possible.