West Greenwich, R.I. – A student‑led petition calling for the removal of Exeter‑West Greenwich High School principal Kristen Stringfellow has gathered over 560 signatures, sparking a closed‑door discussion by the school committee on Tuesday night about a possible formal investigation.
Committee hearing and superintendent response
The Exeter‑West Greenwich School Committee met behind closed doors to review the petition and the allegations raised by students. While the committee did not vote on whether to launch an investigation, the discussion signaled that the concerns are being taken seriously.
Superintendent James Erinakes declined to answer reporters’ questions after the meeting, stating he would issue a written comment the following morning. “I’ll send out a comment tomorrow morning, but I’m not answering questions tonight,” Erinakes told NBC 10.
Student concerns
Students allege that Principal Stringfellow has created an environment of intimidation and disrespect, leaving many feeling belittled. “We shouldn’t have to be scared in our school environment,” said junior Gemma Thornley, one of the petition’s organizers.
Thornley added that students felt they did not have enough time to voice their concerns during a recent meeting with the superintendent. “A lot of kids still feel unheard,” she said. “We feel like we didn’t have enough time to speak.”
Stringfellow’s background
Kristen Stringfellow assumed the principal role this school year after serving as interim principal last year. Her leadership record includes previous scrutiny: she was removed as superintendent of South Kingstown Public Schools in 2019 and placed on administrative leave from Norwich Public Schools in Connecticut in 2023 after teacher complaints and a survey indicating 96 % of teachers feared retaliation.
Stringfellow resigned from the Norwich district in 2025. Despite that history, Superintendent Erinakes noted in an email to families that a hiring committee—including students, parents, and staff—unanimously selected her for the principal position. “Until recently, I have heard only positive (and usually unsolicited) reports,” he wrote, adding that the petition came as a surprise.
Community reaction
Parents and community members have expressed mixed reactions. While some support the students’ right to voice concerns, others caution against hasty actions without a full investigation. The school committee’s decision to consider a formal inquiry reflects a balanced approach that respects both student safety and due process.
Thornley emphasized the importance of listening to student concerns. “I hope that our school listens to us and knows where we are coming from and that we don’t feel safe and we want her out of here,” she said.
Next steps
The superintendent is expected to release a formal statement on Wednesday, outlining the district’s plan for addressing the petition and any subsequent investigation. The school committee will reconvene to determine whether an official inquiry will be launched, ensuring that any action taken aligns with the district’s commitment to a safe and respectful learning environment.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
