The former Monroe-Woodbury School Superintendent Ed Mehrhof is speaking publicly after being suddenly fired Thursday.

Mehrhof says Board President Eleni Carter had political motivation behind her seeking his termination. He also says he thinks that Carter was resentful and angry that Mehrhof was trying to be more active in the community.

Mehrhof has been vocal about his concerns with the Hassidic community of Kiryas Joel's expansion plans. He frequently attended and spoke out at Monroe Town Board meetings.

Earlier this month, Carter issued a gag order on the topic. On Tuesday, three candidates backed by the anti-annexation group United Monroe won seats on the school board. Two days later, Mehrhof was voted out.

Mehrhof spent seven years as an administrator in the school district. Four of them were spent as superintendent.

Carter said by phone on Friday that she cannot legally discuss anything related to Mehrhof's termination. She released a letter, saying only that it was in the community's "best interests."

Mehrhof says he plans to appeal, and in July, he will ask the incoming board to reinstate him as superintendent.

The board says Mehrhof is entitled to do so and that he will be paid during the process once the appeal is received.