Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee Chairman resigns before school committee meeting

EXETER, R.I. (WLNE)- The Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee was set to meet tonight to vote on the removal of Chairman Paul McFadden due to comments made at previous meetings, but that was not the case once the meeting began.

McFadden did not attend the meeting, and those who arrived to the school library were informed that he had resigned as chairman before the session.

McFadden was accused of violating section 3 of the bylaws to “maintain a respectful dialogue” after making several misogynistic comments to those in attendance during a November 9 meeting.

McFadden said, “I’m not your husband, lower your voice.” and “As chair, young lady, I can interrupt you anytime I want. Now you can speak.”

During an open session in November at the Wawaloam Elementary School, residents from both Exeter & West Greenwich spoke in favor of his removal, requesting he step down. “I would never run a meeting like he runs his meetings. It’s disrespectful, childish, and it’s uncalled for,” says Mark Tourgee, West Greenwich Town Council President.

Local residents expressed frustration during the previous meeting:

“We would like our school committee to reflect the values and how we feel about each other and as a community,” said Linda Kleineberg, local resident who attended the meeting to share her concerns during open session. During the discussion, several residents spoke in favor of his removal with some encouraging McFadden to step down immediately. “We are proud of our school district and don’t want unacceptable behavior to undermine the confidence the public has in our school committee.”

The Committee had voted 4-to-1 in favor for a motion to vote on his removal, which would have taken place today.