Martin County board continues suspension of teacher after weeks of public comment

The Martin County School board voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to continue suspending teacher Matt Theobald without pay pending any termination hearing, after a lengthy public comment period in which dozens of residents urged the board to reinstate him.

Supporters described Theobald as a 17‑year veteran who kept political views out of the classroom and had an otherwise clean record. Kristen Conca Signorelli, a contract therapist for the district, said the board had “infringed on the right to free speech afforded by the First Amendment” by removing him from classroom duties. “By removing Mr. Theobald from the classroom, Martin County School District has infringed on the right to free speech,” she told the board.

The suspension without pay was introduced as Agenda item 3.01. Dr. Moriarty moved to approve the superintendent’s recommendation and Miss Powers seconded; the motion passed with all five board members present voting “aye.” Board counsel explained the vote was a discretionary decision about pay status while any formal disciplinary…