WAYNESBORO, Ga. — The Burke County Public School System has issued a statement in response to a racially insensitive photo posted by one of its teachers on a personal social media account.

Superintendent Dr. Angela Williams acknowledged the situation, expressing that the district was aware of the incident and was taking it seriously. In the statement, Dr. Williams emphasized that the post “does not reflect the values of inclusivity, respect, and equity that we uphold in our schools.”

Upon learning of the post, the school district launched a formal review process in accordance with its established policies and procedures. Dr. Williams assured the community that the district is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and community members.

“We understand that incidents like this can be hurtful and impact our school community,” Dr. Williams said. “However, we encourage open dialogue and remain dedicated to ongoing education and training on cultural awareness and sensitivity for our staff.”

The district’s swift response reflects its commitment to addressing matters of racial sensitivity and ensuring that all members of the Burke County school community feel respected and valued. Moving forward, the district is expected to continue its efforts to promote inclusivity through ongoing professional development and open communication with students, staff, and the community.