Moore school board blocked from replacing superintendent

"This is a very important issue, and I don't think the board members understand what they have done to the community," Boles said.

In court documents, Boles called for the resignation of the five school board members who voted to fire Grimesey. If they do not resign, Boles said he plans to push a local bill to recall the school board members.

No school board members have publicly commented on the decision to fire the superintendent or what may have led to his negative review.

"I had been tipped off that maybe there was a majority that was seeking my dismissal, but it was my hope that they'd at least go through the evaluation process," Grimesey said Thursday. "I was advised by my counsel by phone that the school board counsel was talking to her and that they wanted me out."

Boles suggests Grimesey's firing based on personal animosity.

"What it contained is not true," school board member Laura Lang said of Boles' claims.

On Thursday, supporters gave Grimesey a standing ovation following the board's vote to oust him. He then thanked them in a short and tearful speech.

"I hope that my family and I added value," he said to the crowd. "You were among the chief reasons for coming to Moore County."

Grimesey said he plans to stay in Moore County and continue his calling to "improve the lives of children" in the county.

Grimesey became the county's superintendent on July 1, 2014, after serving as a superintendent of Orange County (Va.) Public Schools from 2009 to 2014.