Jessie Thompson, chair of the Volusia County School Board, is stepping down from her leadership role after facing backlash for criticizing students in her district.

Jessie Thompson, a Volusia County School member who stepped down as chair, vowed all students must graduate with skills and knowledge to succeed.

It is not known exactly why Jessie Thompson is stepping down as school board chair, but Thompson came under fire in December after Deltona’s mayor shared a video of Thompson’s remarks at a Moms for Liberty Summit last August.

In school board politics, words matter. Volusia County board member Jessie Thompson learned that lesson when a video surfaced days after her selection as chairperson, showing her making controversial negative statements about some students and a fellow board member during a summer Moms for Liberty event.

After comparing Deltona High School diplomas to 'participation trophies,' a Volusia County School Board member has relinquished her role as chair.