Outcry After Youth Services Director Fired Over 'Conduct'

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover Select Board faced two hours of questions and criticisms Monday night regarding the firing of Youth Services Director Bill Fahey.

Fahey was fired May 10.

"The basis for my decision relating to Mr. Fahey’s employment was the findings by an independent investigator of conduct that could compromise the best interests of some program participants," Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said in a statement. "As Town Manager, I have no greater responsibility than protecting kids and residents. "

The Eagle-Tribune reported that the town paid attorney Regina Ryan of Discrimination and Harassment Solutions $13,425 for an eight-week investigation, following a referral from an outside agency.

Residents and former residents spoke during the board's public comment period, calling for more information from the town, describing their positive experiences with Fahey and accusing Flanagan of having ulterior motives for firing Fahey.

Select Board Chair Annie Gilbert opened the meeting by addressing the issue.

"We could not agree more as to the positive and in many cases transformational impact that youth services has had on countless young people over the years," Gilbert said. "We do support the decision the town manager has made."

Gilbert explained that the Select Board played no role in the firing decision, but Flanagan kept them informed about it.

"The original complaint ... came to the town from an outside agency. The matter was then immediately turned over to an outside investigator," she said. "We are confident the process was conducted appropriately."

Flanagan then explained that it is "not easy" to share more details on the report.

"Mr. Fahey is not the only person whose private information would be impacted by the release" of the report, he said. "I cannot legally or in good conscience release the report."

Patch has requested the report.

Public commenters called on Flanagan to find a way to release some information about the unnamed conduct. Others accused him of planning to take over the department and turn Andover Youth Services into a profit-center, which Flanagan has denied.

"My goal to minimize as much as possible the financial barriers that may currently limit participation in AYS programming," Flanagan said in a statement.

Many commenters described the positive effects that Fahey had on their own lives as alumni of the town's Youth Services program.

The full meeting is available here from AndoverTV.

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