New Hanover school board member David Perry under fire over AI graphic
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County school board member David Perry is facing renewed criticism from colleagues after creating an AI-generated Halloween graphic targeting two fellow board members running for re-election.
The controversy resurfaced at the end of Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, when members returned to the issue of Perry’s conduct.
“This is a discussion of board member conduct, second motion, and a second to add a discussion of more board member conduct,” said chairman Pete Wildeboer at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Earlier this week, Perry created and posted an AI-generated, Halloween-themed graphic featuring board members Pat Bradford and Josie Barnhart on a website with the message “Vote Out the Witches.”
The graphic depicts Bradford and Barnhart stirring a witch’s brew labeled the “New Hanover County Schools Poison Potion.”
When the board took up the matter Tuesday, Perry said he could not remain for the discussion, telling colleagues he had business to attend to in Concord, North Carolina.
“I’m not leaving in disgust; I just don’t feel a need to be here, bye,” said Perry at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Perry later characterized the graphic as a joke, while making clear he does not support his colleagues’ re-election.
“This was just sort of meant to be a fun Halloween thing. I obviously just don’t think that they’re particularly great board members and that they should be voted out,” said Perry.
Barnhart said she did not find the graphic amusing.
“I don’t see it as a joke at all,” said Barnhart.
She said she believes the ongoing disputes are unnecessary and emphasized her commitment to the community.
“I think people are tired of it. When you’re talking about politics and elected officials, you want people to show up and that’s what I’ve been doing for the kids for the last 4 years,” said Barnhart.
The latest dispute is not the first time Perry’s conduct has drawn criticism from his colleagues.
Earlier this month, the board voted to censure Perry and remove him from his committee assignments until a new board takes office in December. That action followed several previous controversies, including alleged confidentiality violations, inappropriate language and criticism of fellow board members, including Bradford.
Bradford said board members must be held accountable for their actions, particularly when their conduct reflects on the school district.
“I have long held that board members have to be accountable for what they say and do, and when they violate policy, in this case, multiple policies, yeah, multiple policies, you’re putting the school district in a bad light,” said Bradford.
Despite the criticism and disciplinary action, Perry has two years remaining on his board term and says he has no intention of changing his approach.
“When I ran, I ran, and I would stand up and say what’s right and do what’s right. And I’m not going to just fall in line because they want, they want to, you know, have me vote a certain way on all this stuff,” said Perry.
