The principal of Dedham Middle School is on administrative leave after she was charged with drunken driving.
Debra Gately, 44, was arrested in Weston early Sunday after police said she was drunk behind the wheel while driving on Route 128. An off-duty police officer said he saw Gately driving erratically and called 911. The officer told police that Gately had almost hit several other cars and he followed her until she pulled over.
Police said Gately was unsteady on her feet, smelled of alcohol and failed three field sobriety tests. Gately allegedly told police that she had three vodka drinks before driving. She agreed to take a breathalyzer test and her blood alcohol level was allegedly more than twice the legal limit.
The superintendent of Dedham schools said he learned of the charge against Gately on Sunday. The superintendent said Gately was placed on administrative leave so she could focus on her situation while a thorough investigation is conducted.
Gately was named principal in 2009, and according to reports, she received the "Principal of the Year" award by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association last year.
Parents said the school did not send home a notice and that Gately has been a great school leader. Gately’s father answered the door at her home and said his daughter "made a mistake" and would not comment.
Gately was arraigned on Monday and is due back in court next week.
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