Select Board Faces More Public Displeasure Over Fahey Firing

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover Select Board reiterated its support Monday for the firing of Youth Services Director Bill Fahey, and members of the public reiterated their displeasure with that decision.

The only business scheduled for the meeting was a presentation from the town's human resources director, Jessica Porter, on the process for hiring an interim director to replace Fahey. A job listing was due to be posted Tuesday and the town manager is expected to make a recommendation to the Select Board on Oct. 4.

Fahey was fired in May following an investigation by an attorney hired by the town over allegations of inappropriate conduct. The investigator Regina Ryan did not consider all allegations against Fahey substantiated, but found there was sufficient cause for the town to take action, according to the redacted report the town released in July.

The interim director hired this fall will not be a candidate for Fahey's permanent replacement, Porter said Monday.

Along with Porter's presentation, the meeting also featured 30 minutes of public comment and a statement from the Select Board.

"We've read the investigative report," Board Chair Chris Huntress said. "We fully and unanimously support the decision of the town manager."

Huntress cited "troubling evidence of professional misconduct" and also said the board "supports the mission of Andover Youth Services."

During the public comment period, the outcry over Fahey's firing continued, with residents condemning Town Manager Andrew Flanagan for firing Fahey.

Speakers also called for Andover Youth Services Assistant Director Glenn Wilson to be promoted to director.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.