CULLMAN – Cold Springs Elementary School Principal Phillip Gay was arrested Sunday evening in Cullman and charged with driving under the influence. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. Christmas evening at Main Avenue and Graham Street. He has been placed on administrative leave.
"I have met with Mr. Gay. As of today, he has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation," said Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette late Monday evening. "His love for his students is very evident in the way he interacts with them at school. This situation is very unfortunate. I am sure he would appreciate everyone's prayers and concern."
Gay, 45, has been with Cullman County Schools since Aug. 2009. His current contract expires on June 30, 2017.
"Mr. Gay was arrested for a DUI. He was stopped and administered field sobriety tests, and he failed those tests," said Cullman Police Department Lt. Jeff Warnke. "The Draeger instrument malfunctioned, so we do not have a blood alcohol level."
The Cullman County School Board will decide if any further disciplinary action will be taken.
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