NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The New Hanover County Board of Education says it is addressing a social media post made by its attorney, Brian Kromke, over the weekend.
Kromke posted a derogatory, insulting meme that the board said didn’t align with its own values.
READ MORE: Special education PTA requests NHCS adopt inclusive language post funding discussion
“The language used was inappropriate and does not meet the standards of professionalism and respect that this Board expects from anyone representing or working on behalf of the Board of Education or the district,” the school board responded Monday. “Words matter, particularly in public service. As a Board, we are committed to maintaining a culture of respect, personal responsibility, and professionalism.”
The response was prompted after a post on Saturday from former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper was uploaded to social media about the recent ICE shootings in Minnesota; Cooper called them “targeted” and “horrific.” In response, Kromke posted: “Marked Safe From Being shot by ice because I’m not f*****g retarded.”
Cooper is currently running for Thom Tillis’ seat in the 2026 midterms. The former governor’s post noted in full:
“These horrific shootings in Minnesota should not have happened — American citizens should not be targeted and killed. As someone who has prosecuted violent criminals, I understand the importance of federal resources to fight crime, including resources focused on deporting violent criminals — but these actions don’t make people safe and this chaos needs to stop.”
After Kromke’s meme went live, local education advocacy group NHC Educational Justice reposted the comment and highlighted the attorney’s response. The group also asked the attorney on Cooper’s page if he represented the New Hanover County School Board.
Kromke is employed with Crossley McIntosh Collier Hanley & Edes, P.L.L.C and was hired by the board, along with Norwood Blanchard, in June 2024.
Before taking on NHCS as a client, Crossley McIntosh & Collier had never represented a school district, yet all attorneys have had children enrolled in public schools. As well, Kromke’s profile on lawyers.com notes he was “a sixth-grade special education teacher at C.I.S. Academy in Durham, North Carolina.”
Kromke responded to NHC Educational Justice: “All — I deleted that insensitive post and I am sorry that I offended anyone, that was not my intention – Brian.”
On Monday, the New Hanover County Board of Education released its statement, explaining the board did not condone the language used and was taking it “seriously” and addressing it “accordingly.” The board said it could not reveal specifics according to law but expressed a belief of treating all individuals with “dignity and respect” and to uphold trust in the schools district.
“At the same time, we recognize the rights of individuals as private citizens and remain focused on our responsibility to provide a safe, orderly, and respectful environment for students, families, staff, and the broader community,” the statement continued. “We appreciate the community’s continued engagement and support as we uphold high standards and remain focused on student success.”
Port City Daily reached out to Kromke Monday for further comment and confirmation he would be in attendance at the board’s Tuesday agenda review.
“I would like to reiterate that I am very sorry for making that insensitive post,” he replied. “I did not intend to offend anyone and regret that I did.”
Port City Daily also reached out to Kromke’s colleague and fellow NHCS board attorney Blanchard, who said he “regrets” the comment was made. Blanchard added he didn’t expect Kromke would be at Tuesday’s meeting, though wasn’t sure he was planning to attend before the meme went live.
School board member Tim Merrick told WHQR he planned to call for a review and potential nullification of the attorney’s contract.
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