ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled Minneapolis school officials lack evidence to support the firing of a high school principal.

Reports said the court found the Minneapolis School District failed to give an adequate explanation for firing Patrick Exner in 2013. The Appeals Court sent the case back to the district on Monday and ordered it to present stronger evidence.

The district placed Exner on leave in August 2013 after an anonymous email said he tampered with state assessment tests while at another school. Exner was fired from Washburn High School the next month. He challenged the dismissal in court.

The school board said in response to the ruling that it stands behind its decision. It says it will consider the case at its next meeting.