Dedham principal granted leave of absence following DUI charge

The Dedham Middle School principal charged with driving under the influence of alcohol last week has been granted a leave of absence, reports said.

Dedham Public Schools Superintendent Michael Welch announced the news Friday morning that Dedham Middle School Principal Debra Gately was granted a leave of absence for the remainder of the school year, WickedLocal.com reported.

“On Thursday, April 14 I met with Mrs. Gately and she asked me for a leave of absence for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year in order to provide time and space to step back and address her needs,” Welch wrote in letter to parents and staff, according to WickedLocal.com. “I have approved her leave of absence request, and will stay in close touch with her over the next two months.”

Gately was pulled over by officers on Sunday, April 3 after an off-duty officer reported her erratic driving, WHDH reported. Gately also reportedly failed three field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit.

In court on Monday, April 11, Gately was sentenced to one year of supervised probation and had her licence suspended for 45 days, WCVB reported. She was also reportedly ordered to take an alcohol education program and to pay several fines.