DISTRICT 300 SHINES AS BOARD MEMBERS LISTEN TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS

TAXPAYER'S INVOLVMENT IS THE KEY

Grassroots Power: How Kane County Conservatives Drove the Removal of Nancy Zettler as School Board President

In a striking display of civic engagement, grassroots members of Kane County played a decisive role in the removal of Nancy Zettler from her position as president of the District 300 School Board. The action followed a wave of public outrage over Zettler’s controversial social media post regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which many residents viewed as callous and unbecoming of a public official entrusted with the education and well-being of children.

Zettler’s downfall was not orchestrated by political elites—it was driven by everyday citizens. Parents, taxpayers, and community advocates mobilized quickly after Zettler’s September 10 Facebook post, which read, “The first thing I thought when I heard this today was ‘Karma, it’s a $itch.’” The comment, widely interpreted as celebrating Kirk’s death, ignited protests outside the District 300 administration office and flooded board members with calls, emails, and demands for accountability.

The Kane County GOP issued a strong statement condemning Zettler’s remarks, but it was the persistent pressure from local residents that forced the board to act. Signs reading “No Nancy, assassination is not karma, it is murder!” and “Charlie Kirk is not the problem… Zettler is!” lined the streets during demonstrations. Board member Steve Fiorentino acknowledged the impact of the community’s response, stating, “Thank you to the many of you for your calls and messages sharing your shock and disgust… your voices are being heard”.

On October 2, the board voted 5-1 to remove Zettler from her leadership role. Though she remains a board member, the vote marked a clear repudiation of her conduct and a victory for grassroots accountability.

Why Conservative Taxpayers Must Stay Engaged

This episode underscores a broader truth: local governance is only as strong as the citizens who hold it accountable. In Kane County, conservative taxpayers have long voiced concerns about rising property taxes, ideological bias in education, and a lack of transparency in school administration. Zettler’s refusal to apologize, coupled with her dismissal of the backlash as a “manufactured disruption,” only deepened the divide between the board and the community it serves.

Conservative involvement is not just about opposing controversial figures—it’s about restoring integrity, fiscal responsibility, and respect for diverse viewpoints in public institutions. The Illinois Educator Code of Ethics demands that school leaders uphold values of integrity and respect. Zettler’s comments violated those principles, and her removal was a necessary step toward rebuilding trust.

Moreover, the legal implications of her remarks were not lost on the community. Experts warned that her post could expose the district to liability if it were ever cited in a violent incident. Inaction by the board would have signaled complicity, making grassroots vigilance not just important—but imperative.



A Blueprint for Future Action

The Zettler episode offers a blueprint for how engaged citizens can effect real change. It wasn’t a partisan machine or a media campaign that led to her removal—it was neighbors, parents, and taxpayers who refused to be ignored. Their success serves as a reminder that local politics matter, and that the values of Kane County’s conservative base—fiscal discipline, ethical leadership, and community respect—must continue to guide its public institutions.

As Kane County looks ahead, the message is clear: when conservative taxpayers show up, speak out, and stay involved, they shape the future—not just of their schools, but of their entire community.