MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — As the Martin County School District continues its high-stakes legal battle over the proposed firing of teacher Matthew Theobald following controversial social media comments regarding Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, local parents and community members are voicing deeply divided perspectives on free speech, school board spending, and classroom standards.

The legal dispute recently advanced after the school board filed formal exceptions on July 2, 2026, challenging an administrative law judge’s recommendation to rescind Theobald’s termination. Christina Washington, a former Martin County School District employee and local parent, believes the issue centers on accountability, the school environment, and the financial toll of protracted litigation. Washington emphasizes that public school teachers must adhere to a higher standard of compassion and respect.

“Those types of things just don’t belong in the school at all,” Washington said.

While acknowledging a citizen’s right to personal opinions, Washington argues that divisive rhetoric should remain private.

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“If you want to think that way, it’s fine. It’s public vs. household conversation… it should be held in the household, not made publicly,” she stated.

Anthony Michaels, a local parent of three young children, offered a different angle, weighing the validity of the district’s case against the defense of private speech.

While acknowledging Theobald’s First Amendment arguments, Michaels maintains that entering the teaching profession requires a baseline commitment to professional decorum.

“When you become a teacher… you sign the consent and nondisclosure and all those kinds of things,” Michaels stated. “You’re supposed to watch your behavior… because you are a role model,” he added.

For Michaels, the legal friction highlights a broader need for the district to refocus on core educational goals.

“We need to get back on track right now,” he said

Because the state administrative law judge’s recommendation to reinstate the veteran Spectrum Academy educator is non-binding, the final authority to determine Theobald’s employment status rests entirely with the local school board.

Moving forward, the Martin County School Board members will conduct a comprehensive review of the case, the administrative judge’s findings, and the district’s freshly submitted objections before taking a final vote to either accept the judge’s orders or issue a final order executing his termination.

Theobald told CBS12 News that if he is not reinstated, he may take this case to criminal court for First Amendment violations.