The Mathews County School Board on Tuesday night appointed Charles Forrest to the position of high school teacher. Forrest’s name was never mentioned. Instead, the vote, which came after a lengthy closed session, was held on the list of professional appointments included in the school board packet, and Forrest’s name was the only one on the list.

The vote was split, with only three of the five members supporting Forrest’s reappointment. Board member Ginger Richards, who was not present but joined the meeting electronically, voted nay, saying she did not support the appointment. Board member John Priest abstained, saying he was “still torn.”

The action followed several months of upheaval in county schools. Forrest had been placed on administrative leave following an incident where a Mathews High School student was injured while under Forrest’s supervision. A hearing to consider his dismissal was held in March, with the school board eventually voting...