Dear Superintendent Blake,
We are Winthrop and Doyon parents and we are writing with concern over the district's action to put Nurse Stafford on leave. Having reviewed the offending Facebook post we firmly believe that it qualifies as protected speech and any attempt to discipline the employee would result in legal liability for the town.
The complaints generated from the post were instigated by people on Facebook who did not agree with the statement for political reasons. They do not have children in the school system, and many do not even live in the state. Persecution of teachers for their private opinions shared outside of school is modern day McCarthyism and will not be tolerated by the community. This move is a slippery slope and endangers all of our teachers and our students. Moreover, it does not effectively model American civics or protected constitutional rights to our children, which is the school’s responsibility.
We have witnessed the care, attention, and professionalism that Nurse Stafford brings to his work. He knows each and every Winthrop student and we trust him with protecting our children’s health and safety. He knows when calling parents with health concerns how to effectively explain the urgency of a matter such that parents and caregivers are well-informed but not unnecessarily panicked.
Unfortunately, your Saturday morning message to parents left us unnecessarily panicked due to its vagueness. We find suspending Nurse Stafford to be an over-reaction to what amounts to a relatively common type of social media post not intended for, sent to, or directed at students.
Suspending Nurse Stafford will not keep our students safe, but will instead deprive them of an excellent health practitioner who knows their needs and cares about them. Replacing him with a temporary substitute would not be equivalent or an effective use of resources. Moreover, it is not what we parents or students actually need or want. We hope that you will consider our viewpoint and convey a clear plan of action at curriculum night this week or sooner.
Sincerely,
Haley Mosher & Christina Elder
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
September 15, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
September 15, 2025
112 Comments
As a former educator, I would have been appalled to have my right to free speech trampled. Voicing one’s opinion of a public figure outside of school hours does not seem to warrant the response it received.
Jon Stafford is an invaluable member of the IPS district. He cared for me impeccably during my time as a student at Winthrop School. His protected free speech does NOT impact his ability to care for the health and wellbeing of Ipswich students.
Mr. Stafford was always so incredibly kind to my son during his 9 years at Winthrop. He is a highly skilled professional who has served the Winthrop Community for 16 years and it is a better place because of him. We can’t afford to lose valuable caretakers of his caliber.
I have known Jon for 15+ years and as a parent and fellow school nurse I have the highest regard for his nursing practices and knowledge. The fb post has nothing to do with his work and should not be a reason for job termination!
I disagree will Mr Staffords comments, violence of any kind should never be celebrated. However, I believe in free speech and he should not lose his job over social media statements.
Full reinstatement is the only option. For free speech and for the good of the children that are lacking in care every day Mr. Stafford spends outside that school. We the parents, our kids, and the majority of the town want Mr. Stafford's reinstatement. Please stop listening to the vocal minority and get this man back to work ASAP!
Freedom of speech!
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Dear Superintendent Blake,
We are Winthrop and Doyon parents and we are writing with concern over the district's action to put Nurse Stafford on leave. Having reviewed the offending Facebook post we firmly believe that it qualifies as protected speech and any attempt to discipline the employee would result in legal liability for the town.
The complaints generated from the post were instigated by people on Facebook who did not agree with the statement for political reasons. They do not have children in the school system, and many do not even live in the state. Persecution of teachers for their private opinions shared outside of school is modern day McCarthyism and will not be tolerated by the community. This move is a slippery slope and endangers all of our teachers and our students. Moreover, it does not effectively model American civics or protected constitutional rights to our children, which is the school’s responsibility.
We have witnessed the care, attention, and professionalism that Nurse Stafford brings to his work. He knows each and every Winthrop student and we trust him with protecting our children’s health and safety. He knows when calling parents with health concerns how to effectively explain the urgency of a matter such that parents and caregivers are well-informed but not unnecessarily panicked.
Unfortunately, your Saturday morning message to parents left us unnecessarily panicked due to its vagueness. We find suspending Nurse Stafford to be an over-reaction to what amounts to a relatively common type of social media post not intended for, sent to, or directed at students.
Suspending Nurse Stafford will not keep our students safe, but will instead deprive them of an excellent health practitioner who knows their needs and cares about them. Replacing him with a temporary substitute would not be equivalent or an effective use of resources. Moreover, it is not what we parents or students actually need or want. We hope that you will consider our viewpoint and convey a clear plan of action at curriculum night this week or sooner.
Sincerely,
Haley Mosher & Christina Elder
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
September 15, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
September 15, 2025
112 Comments
I have personally watched Jon work with the children at Winthrop. He is a loving and devoted member of the community— a true representative of the nurturing environment they strive to create there. His firing would be a huge loss for everyone!
As a former educator, I would have been appalled to have my right to free speech trampled. Voicing one’s opinion of a public figure outside of school hours does not seem to warrant the response it received.
Jon Stafford is an invaluable member of the IPS district. He cared for me impeccably during my time as a student at Winthrop School. His protected free speech does NOT impact his ability to care for the health and wellbeing of Ipswich students.
Mr. Stafford was always so incredibly kind to my son during his 9 years at Winthrop. He is a highly skilled professional who has served the Winthrop Community for 16 years and it is a better place because of him. We can’t afford to lose valuable caretakers of his caliber.
I have known Jon for 15+ years and as a parent and fellow school nurse I have the highest regard for his nursing practices and knowledge. The fb post has nothing to do with his work and should not be a reason for job termination!
I disagree will Mr Staffords comments, violence of any kind should never be celebrated. However, I believe in free speech and he should not lose his job over social media statements.
Full reinstatement is the only option. For free speech and for the good of the children that are lacking in care every day Mr. Stafford spends outside that school. We the parents, our kids, and the majority of the town want Mr. Stafford's reinstatement. Please stop listening to the vocal minority and get this man back to work ASAP!
Freedom of speech!
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I have personally watched Jon work with the children at Winthrop. He is a loving and devoted member of the community— a true representative of the nurturing environment they strive to create there. His firing would be a huge loss for everyone!