Updated Tuesday, June 9 at 6:30 a.m.
The Moore County School Board has reinstated the embattled schools superintendent, after four board members resigned.
The board voted suddenly Thursday to buy out the contract of Superintendent Bob Grimesy, who is popular among parents, teachers and government officials.
State Representative James Boles called for the resignation of five board members.
Multiple media outlets report that a smaller school board voted 4-1 last night to reinstate Grimesy.
Wednesday, June 8
Pressure is building on Moore County School Board members after the Board voted to fire the county's popular Superintendent.
Without explanation, the school board voted 5-to-3 Thursday to fire Robert Grimesey.
Greg Hankins, owner and publisher of Seven Lakes Times newspaper, said Grimesey was popular with families and teachers despite being in office less than a year.
"He's a very hands-on people person, and he's very rapidly endeared himself to the community," Hankins said. "So when the news broke that he might be fired, the public outcry began to build immediately."
Following a strong public backlash to the firing, three board members resigned over the weekend. All three had voted in favor of the firing.
Now, a state legislator is calling for the resignations of the other two members who voted to oust Grimesey.
"I think the people have already spoken with three of the five. I'm hoping that the other two will come around with the other two before we have to go through this time and expense to prove that the other two would like them out," said Rep. James Boles (R-Moore).
Boles said he plans legislation to allow a recall election to select a new board. Boles has also filed a restraining order to keep the board from appointing a permanent replacement Superintendent.
The board voted to buy out Grimesey's $168,000 contract. The County Commission could discuss this week whether to take that out of the school budget.
The Moore County School Board is expected to have a large turnout in its meeting Monday.
The school board will gather in a closed session at 6 p.m., followed by a public meeting at 6:30 at Union Pines High School in Cameron.
