Dedham Middle School Principal Placed on Leave for OUI Charge

Image Credit: Weston Police Department

DEDHAM, MA - Dedham Middle School Principal Debra Gately has been placed on leave.

Speaking from a prewritten statement and taking no questions, Superintendent Michael Welch read a prewritten statement outside of Dedham Middle School. She will remain on leave as the school district investigates the allegations against her.

"It is disappointing to all of us that this incident is interfering with our core purpose at Dedham Middle School, which is to provide a safe, challenging, and supportive place to grow and learn. We hope to return to a sense of normalcy soon," Welch said.

Welch reread the statement about a half hour later at the Dedham School Committee meeting, with the committee giving no comment.

"This is a business meeting with a set agenda, we will not discuss any matter that does not appear on the agenda," Chairman Thomas Ryan said.

At 12:50 a.m. Sunday, Gately was arrested in Weston and charged with drunken driving

During Gately's absence, Assistant Principal Margo Fraczek will serve as acting principal and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Kelly, who is the former middle school principal, will provide additional support.