Some parents at the Asbury Park School District were surprised to learn classes today were canceled because more than 40 teachers called out of work, leaving the district with no choice but to close.

Several parents and a school board member say off camera it stemmed from the appointment of a new interim superintendent by the board this week. Several sources say some teachers weren't happy with the board's choice and staged a protest call out today.

Back in March, Superintendent Sancha Gray announced her resignation at the end of this school year. The board then voted to appoint RaShawn Adams, who served in the district since 2015 as middle school principal and then director of planning research and assessment, to interim superintendent until a permanent choice can be found. 

Parents say they want all parties to simply come together for the betterment of their children in the school district. 

The teachers union president says it was not a sponsored job action. The school board president referred all comments to the superintendent's office. They would not provide any additional comment except to say tonight's prom is still on as scheduled.