Former Fall River principal gives his side of the story after announcement of his departure

A former Fall River principal is now telling his side of the story.

In a communication received by parents on Thursday afternoon from Father Fred Babiczuk and Daniel Roy, Superintendent of Schools at the Diocese of Fall River, St. Michael School announced that, effective immediately, Ryan Klein has concluded his service as the principal at St. Michael School.

The statement can be found here.

In response to the statement, Klein took to social media to tell his version of what took place.

“In light of the release letter out by Father Fred Babiczuk and Daniel Roy, I felt compelled to respond to set the record straight in order to dispel any false rumors or false allegations that anyone may have heard or believe regarding my removal as Principal at Saint Michael School. On Monday, June 29th, I was requested to go to the Diocesan Office on Highland Avenue for what I believed to be a discussion/negotiation of my contract renewal for the school year 2026-2027. To my complete shock and dismay, I was told I would not (be) renewed, despite the success of the school and my humble work as Principal. I want to stress that I NEVER engaged in any inappropriate or illegal conduct of any kind whatsoever. I have since asked, through my attorney, for my evaluations for the last four years but the Diocese and Church have not provided them. This also has frustrated me and my family.

“The Diocese and the Church, I believe are negligible in allowing this vague and misleading release to go out, citing my privacy, in such a manner as to lend itself to a false narrative that I engaged in wrongful, inappropriate or illegal conduct leading to me to having “concluded” my service with the school effective immediately. I was removed on June 30, some 25 days ago, not on July 23, 2026. The Diocese and Church along with myself have attempted to negotiate an Employment Separation Agreement which I refused to sign predominantly due to the fact that the Diocese and Church insisted they be allowed, without input or collaboration, to draft a separation letter or release completely misconstruing the true facts surrounding my removal.

“Let me close by saying, I LOVE Saint Michael School. I LOVE the staff, students, and families. Each and everyone of them. My family and I have given our heart and soul to Saint Michael School. To be removed under this wrongful and irreparable cloud of suspicion is wrong and contrary to my spiritual beliefs as a Catholic.

“I do now, and will always, pray for the success of Saint Michael School. However, with great sadness I must proclaim that the actions of the many involved were negligible, wrongful, and at times shameful in how this matter was handled. The school, staff, and especially the students will be the ones who suffer. That is something I never wanted, but unfortunately the decision is no longer in my hands.”