Groton School Board Denies Paul Kadri’s Request for an Independent Arbitrator

The Groton Board of Education has denied Superintendent Paul Kadri’s request to have his termination hearing before a neutral arbitrator.

Floyd Dugas, the lawyer for the school board, wrote on Oct. 16, Gregg Adler, Kadri’s lawyer, that Kadri agreed in his contract that any hearing would be held before the school board.

“It seems opportunistic to be complaining about the very process he has contractually agreed to,” Dugas wrote.

Kadri’s hearing has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 in the Town Hall Annex.

Adler replied in a letter today that he does not believe Kadri can receive a fair hearing before the board.

“He is entitled to an opportunity to defend himself before unbiased decision-makers,” Adler wrote. “By refusing to afford Mr. Kadri that opportunity, the board runs afoul of the Constitution and assures that the hearing will not constitute a final resolution of this matter.”

Kadri has been on paid administrative leave since May, pending the outcome of an investigation of his conduct with employees. The investigation was released in August and in it, multiple employees accused him of abusive and threatening behavior. Kadri later issued a response through his attorney, and has said the allegations are untrue.