Connetquot High School principal Michael Moran publicly resigned from his position in a district-wide message that cited a leave of absence on March 10.

Piquing the interest of the community was a line in the message that said Connetquot was “once” but “no longer” is his home.

On Friday, April 21, Connetquot superintendent Lynda G. Adams announced to the school district that Moran would be reinstated the following Monday, April 24.

A Facebook group to reinstate Moran began almost immediately after his announcement to vacate his position with almost 1,000 members.

Multiple rallies were held on district buildings during board of education meeting sessions in support of Moran’s return to the high school.

In a heartfelt post in the reinstatement group on social media, Moran said, “I can’t begin to thank all of you for the overwhelming support over the 5-plus weeks. I will never forget the kind words, the uplifting text messages, the presence at BOE meetings, the Facebook comments, the signs, etc. Being principal of CHS is my dream job and I love every minute of it. When I wake up on a Monday morning, I am excited to start another week with the amazing staff and the greatest students around!”

Moran personally thanked one of the parents who organized the group and led rallies and said that “whenever I started to lose hope, Maggs Ferrara refused to let that happen and only strengthened her campaign to help me get back. I certainly wasn’t surprised by her dedication. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her since 2004, and she’s always been about others and never about herself, and I will be forever grateful.”

A number of student and parents speakers spoke positively about Moran at a board of education meeting on March 21.

The district issued the following statement to the community to announce Moran’s return: “The district has been informed that Mr. Michael Moran will be returning from his personal leave of absence to his position as principal, effective Monday, April 24. He will reassume all his prior responsibilities at that time.”

Louise Burger, who had served as the building’s interim principal while Mr. Moran was out on leave, was thanked by the district for her service.

In the days after Moran’s resignation, high school students posted videos of themselves protesting the decision and demanding Moran be reinstated.

Controversy surrounded the resignation, as it was heavily implied on social media and reports made to the Suffolk County News that the resignation was forced and pressured from certain members of the board of education, resulting from a controversy about the Progressive Pride flag being displayed on school property.

A board member in correspondence with the Suffolk County News denied that Moran was in any way pressured and cited “family issues” for the resignation.

Lee Kennedy, the current president of the board who will leave her post at the end of this school year, was vocal in her support of the LGBTQ community during a meeting on April 18 and said, “What happened to the LGBTQ community was unfair.”