Greenman Urges Pawtucket Residents to Oppose Appointed School Committee Measure at Wednesday Council Vote

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Adam Greenman, Democratic candidate for Mayor of Pawtucket, is calling on residents to attend Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, where the Council will vote on a resolution to place a referendum on the November 3 ballot that would amend the city’s Home Rule Charter to allow a School Committee composed of appointed and elected members.

Currently, all seven members of the Pawtucket School Committee are elected by voters. Under the proposed change, some members would instead be chosen by the Mayor and City Council.

“Right now, every member of Pawtucket’s School Committee answers to one group of people: the voters,” said Greenman. “Under this change, some of the people making decisions about your kids’ education and your tax dollars would answer to the politicians who appointed them instead. That takes power away from the people of Pawtucket, and I don’t believe taking power from voters benefits anyone – including the next mayor.”

Greenman noted this is the second attempt in three years to move away from a fully elected School Committee. In 2023, the city’s Charter Review Commission – a body appointed by the Mayor – took up a proposal to replace the entire elected committee with an appointed one. The idea was shelved after strong public opposition, including testimony from Greenman.

“They couldn’t take the whole committee in 2023, so now they’re asking for a piece,” said Greenman. “And once again, Mayor Grebien won’t tell voters where he stands. He owes Pawtucket a straight answer — before Wednesday’s vote, not after.”

Greenman, who built his career as a Teach For America educator before earning a doctorate in education and serving as CEO of a major nonprofit, said he supports reforming the School Committee — but not at the expense of voters’ power. He pointed to alternatives such as electing members by ward, as the City Council is elected, and staggering terms to provide continuity.

Greenman is urging residents to take action before and during Wednesday’s meeting:

• Attend the City Council meeting: Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 PM, Pawtucket Municipal Annex, 100 Freight Street, 2nd Floor (enter through the parking lot at 75 Sabin Street)

• Submit written testimony: email cityclerk@pawtucketri.gov by 4:00 PM Wednesday with “COUNCIL INPUT” in the subject line

• Contact city councilors and urge them to vote no

The Democratic primary for Mayor of Pawtucket will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026