At the June 3 Kingston Board of Education meeting, a group of middle-school guidance counselors spoke during the public comment portion against staffing cuts to their positions. A Facebook post revealed a comment that Superintendent Paul Padalino made to board President Marie Anderson that was picked up by a microphone.

“Here comes GLP-1,” Padalino said to Anderson, apparently referencing a popular weight loss drug, as middle school guidance counselors approached to speak. It was not immediately clear to whom he was referring, but users of GLP-1 have been attacked in social media as losing weight the easy way, as opposed to diet and exercise.

The Facebook post garnered 54 comments and 32 shares, captioned with “he needs to be fired.” After the comment caused a stir in the Kingston community, Padalino released a statement apologizing for the “inappropriate comment that was disrespectful and not in line with the expectations I hold for myself as superintendent.”

“I sincerely apologize to the individual involved, our staff, our Board of Education, our students, our families, and the community,” Padalino wrote. “I take full responsibility for my words and understand the hurt and disappointment they have caused.”

Padalino ended the statement by saying that while he cannot undo what he said, that he is committed to “learning from this mistake and rebuilding your trust through my actions.”