Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee Motions To Remove Chairman

Residents speaking out cited "misogynistic and unprofessional" behavior during meetings.

EXETER, RI (WLNE)-

A petition with 486 signatures Tuesday evening called for the removal of Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee Chairman Paul McFadden for making the following statements during a November 9th meeting committee members & residents say violated section 3 of the bylaws to “maintain a respectful dialogue.”

“I’m not your husband, lower your voice.”

“As chair, young lady, I can interrupt you anytime I want. Now you can speak.”

During an open session Tuesday evening 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.

“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.”

While McFadden refused to comment, the committee voted 4 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstained for a motion to vote on his removal as Chairman at the next session.

This is a developing story. Stay with Abc6.com for updates.