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NORWAY -- What started as a domestic dispute has quickly turned into a public debate in the Norway community.

Elementary school principal and head football coach Brad Grayvold pled guilty to domestic violence, and now some community members are questioning if he should be removed.

Nearly 70 people attended Tuesday night’s school board meeting, and it seemed they were split in half--many were concerned about Grayvold, others supported him.

Some, like Lisa Temple, questioned the example being set for the students if Grayvold remained principal.

"Somebody can do something of a violent nature and get away with it,” said Temple.  “I'm just concerned about what that is going to do to everyone here in your school."

Others fully supported Grayvold as an administrator, coach, and friend.

"You talk about safety of the kids?  I do not think that is an issue here,” said Grayvold supporter Bob Madigan.  “I think that Brad's a good administrator, and I know he's a good coach, and I'm happy to work with him."

No action was taken last night by the school board or the superintendent as both sides decided to let the legal process play out.  First-time offenders typically receive probation and no jail time for a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

Grayvold spoke at the meeting, apologizing for his actions and asking for privacy while dealing with this problem.

"Though this matter involves my family, I acknowledge that there's a public aspect to everything I do,” said Gayvold.  “It's that reality that prompted me to come here tonight and admit my past mistakes."

Superintendent Randy Van Gasse suspended Grayvold for Norway’s football game Friday night.  He will be sentenced Thursday in Dickinson County District Court.