MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The Martin County School Board is challenging a state administrative law judge’s recommendation that suspended teacher Matthew Theobald be reinstated, filing a lengthy 15-page objection that asks the School Board to uphold his termination instead.

The filing, submitted July 2, takes aim at a June recommended order from Administrative Law Judge Jodi-Ann Livingstone, who concluded the district failed to prove that Theobald’s social media comments warranted dismissal and recommended that he be reinstated with back pay and benefits.

The case stems from comments Theobald made on Facebook following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The veteran Spectrum Academy teacher described Kirk as a “racist, misogynistic, fear-mongering neo-Nazi” and compared Turning Point USA to a “modern-day Hitler Youth organization,” comments that sparked widespread backlash and led to his suspension.

In its objections, the Martin County School Board argues Livingstone incorrectly found that Theobald’s comments were unrelated to his role as a teacher and were not directed at students. Attorneys for the district contend the comments concerned Turning Point USA chapters that exist at Martin County schools and therefore affected students involved with those organizations.

The school board also disputes the judge’s finding that Theobald retained the confidence of the community. The filing points to complaints from parents, residents and community members who contacted district officials following the comments and questioned whether he should remain in the classroom.

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The filing further argues the comments created a disruption that required administrators to devote significant time and resources to responding to public concerns, media attention and potential safety issues. The district maintains it was not required to wait for protests or additional disruptions before taking action.

Livingstone previously concluded that Theobald’s comments were made on his personal social media account outside of work hours and that there was insufficient evidence they disrupted student learning or school operations. She recommended that the district restore his position, salary and benefits.

Following that recommendation, Theobald told CBS12 News he felt encouraged by community support.

“I’ve felt a lot of support from the community. My friends and neighbors, people that I’ve grown up with who know me…They knew that what the board was trying to do was unfair, and there’s no way for me to really describe how amazing that feels,” Theobald said.

The filing rejects several of Livingstone’s findings and concludes that Theobald’s conduct violated state educator ethics rules, School Board policies and district procedures. The filing argues his comments impaired his effectiveness as an educator and justified his termination.