Dedham Middle School Principal Debra Gately has been granted a leave of absence for the remainder of the academic year, Wicked Local reports. In a sent to all Dedham Public School parents and staff Friday morning, Superintendent Michael Welch said he has been in contact with Gately nearly every day over the past two weeks, since she was arrested in Weston for operating under the influence of liquor.“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 the letter. “I have approved her leave of absence request, and will stay in close touch with her over the next two months.”Welch said Dr. Margo Fraczek will continue to serve as interim principal at DMS for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year. In addition, former DMS Interim Assistant Principal Mrs. Kate Conway will return to DMS in thesame capacity beginning April 25.“Many of you will remember Mrs. Conway's previous interim assignment as assistant principal during Dr. Fraczek's maternity leave in 2012-13,” Welch wrote. “Her familiarity with the faculty, staff, and parents will be a significant support to the school for the remainder of the year. All activities and events scheduled for the rest of this school year will occur as planned.”On Monday, April 11, Gately appeared in Waltham District Court and admitted to the facts of the case, which was continued without a finding. She was sentenced to one year of supervised probation and Judge Gregory Flynn ordered her to complete a 24D alcohol education program, the Brains at Risk program. She was ordered to pay a number of fines and her license was suspended for 45 days.Welch said the administration has met with clinicians from Riverside Trauma Center to help students process the events of the last two weeks, and information has been posted to the DMS website.WCVB app