Politics in Florida is rarely quiet, but when a local education official gets tangled up in a social media firestorm involving a pro-wrestling legend, things get weird fast. Sarah Rockwell, a member of the Alachua County School Board, found herself at the center of a national whirlwind that wasn't about textbooks or bus routes. It was about a Facebook post.
Honestly, the whole situation is a case study in how fast a "personal" comment can blow up a professional life. Rockwell, who has deep roots in Gainesville, didn't just wake up one day and decide to be a lightning rod. She’s a PhD. A mother of kids with disabilities. A former special education teacher. But in the summer of 2025, she became "that school board lady" who commented on Hulk Hogan’s death.
The Post That Changed Everything for Sarah Rockwell
It started with a few words on a friend's private Facebook wall. When news broke that Hulk Hogan had passed away, Rockwell chimed in. Her comment was blunt: "Good. One less MAGA in the world."
The backlash was instant.
Within hours, screenshots were everywhere. MAGA supporters, wrestling fans, and local parents were livid. It didn't stay a local Alachua County issue for long. It hit national news cycles. The Alachua County School Board was suddenly flooded with emails, some supportive but many demanding her immediate resignation.
Rockwell later called the remark "cruel and flippant." She apologized. She explained that she doesn't wish harm on people regardless of their politics. But for many, the apology felt like a "sorry I got caught" moment. The damage to her reputation as a nonpartisan representative of all students was already done.
Why the State Got Involved
It wasn't just angry Facebook comments. The Florida Department of Education stepped in. Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas didn't hold back. He sent a letter calling her behavior "inexcusable." He even suggested the state should withhold board member salaries.
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Wait, it gets crazier.
During a July 31 board meeting, a local resident named Jeremy Clepper called Rockwell a "disgusting, vile human being." When Rockwell and Vice Chair Tina Certain tried to manage the meeting's chaos, the state accused them of violating parental rights. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a lunch tray.
Beyond the Headlines: Who is Sarah Rockwell?
If you only know her from the headlines, you're missing the context of why she was elected in the first place. She isn't a career politician. She’s a specialist.
Rockwell holds three degrees from the University of Florida—all in Special Education. She spent over 20 years in the classroom. We're talking about someone who worked in pre-K autism units and K-5 classrooms. She knows the "IEP" (Individualized Education Program) world better than almost anyone in the state.
Her platform wasn't originally about wrestling or national politics. It was about:
- Improving special education services.
- Closing the achievement gap.
- Protecting public schools from privatization.
- Supporting teachers who felt "censored."
She ran in 2022 and won with 58% of the vote. People liked her expertise. They liked that she was a "mom in the trenches" whose own children had to switch to Florida Virtual School because of medical risks during the pandemic.
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The Shift in Leadership
By November 2025, the board decided it needed a fresh start. Rockwell had been serving as the Board Chair. In a unanimous vote, the board replaced her and Tina Certain (who had also faced heat for social media posts about Charlie Kirk).
Thomas Vu took over as Chair. It was a clear signal. The board wanted to get back to the "business of school" and away from the culture war headlines. Rockwell is still on the board—her term doesn't end until 2026—but her days of leading the meetings are over for now.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Story
A lot of folks think this was just about one post. It wasn't.
The friction between the Alachua County School Board and the state of Florida has been building for years. Alachua has often been a "blue" holdout in a "red" state education system. Whether it was mask mandates during COVID or how to handle new Title IX rules regarding restrooms, Rockwell was often on the side that challenged Tallahassee.
Basically, the Hulk Hogan comment gave her critics the "smoking gun" they needed to argue she was biased.
Is it fair? Some say yes, arguing that a school board member should be a neutral moral compass. Others say her private comments shouldn't erase two decades of helping kids with autism.
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Real Impact on Alachua County Students
While the adults were arguing about wrestling and Facebook, the district was facing real issues.
- Teacher Shortages: Like the rest of Florida, Alachua has struggled to keep classrooms staffed.
- Budgeting: The district manages a $600 million budget.
- Graduation Rates: Rockwell actually recently celebrated an announcement regarding improved graduation rates in the district.
- Grading Policies: The board made waves by discussing a "50% floor" for grades, meaning students couldn't get a zero on assignments.
Rockwell has stayed active on these fronts. She's been vocal about ensuring taxpayer dollars stay in classrooms rather than being diverted. She’s pushed for better literacy foundations. If you watch a board meeting today, she’s still the one diving deep into the technical language of school policy.
What’s Next for Sarah Rockwell?
In December 2025, Rockwell announced she’s running for re-election. She isn't backing down. She’s betting that voters will care more about her 20 years of education experience than one "flippant" comment.
The 2026 election will be the ultimate test. Will the community move past the Hulk Hogan drama? Or has the "toxic culture" the state talked about become her permanent brand?
Actionable Insights for Parents and Voters:
- Watch the Meetings: Don't rely on 10-second clips. The Alachua County School Board streams their meetings. Watch how policy is actually made.
- Check the Platform: Look at the DrSarahForSchools website to see her specific plans for fiscal responsibility and academic excellence.
- Verify Social Media Policies: If you're a public official or thinking of running, understand that in 2026, there is no such thing as a "private" personal account.
- Engage with District 3: If you live in her district, reach out. School board members are the most accessible elected officials you have.
The story of Sarah Rockwell and the Florida school board isn't just about a wrestler. It’s about how we expect our local leaders to behave in a world where everyone is always watching.