Supt. defends teacher arrest questions

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - The head of the Central Falls School Department is defending a decision to not immediately notify police that a teacher was accused of providing students with alcohol.

Emma Wise, a 22-year-old former chemistry teacher at Central Falls High School, is accused of giving alcohol to five underage students dating back to last October.

Wise was placed on leave by the department last month, but police weren't notified about the allegations until about 10 days later.

Superintendent Frances Gallo defended that decision Tuesday night.

"We were doing our investigation, which is normal procedure," Gallo said. "I have to protect both the teachers and the students.  Safety was absolutely number one priority, and the teacher was not on campus."

Gallo went on to explain the delay in reporting the incident. 

"We cannot act on rumors, because rumors are spread constantly," Gallo said, "The moment we conducted our investigation, had first-hand information signed, an actual complaint that somebody made, we turned to police."

Central Falls police also say they weren't notified either until just prior to the state police investigation.

Wise has since resigned following two criminal charges from state police.

She has entered a not guilty plea on those charges, and is free on personal recognizance.

Wise is due back in court next month