Asst. principal child abuse allegations

PROVIDENCE, RI (AP) - An assistant principal at a Providence high school has been placed on leave until police complete an investigation into child abuse accusations.

Police said no charges have been filed in the ongoing probe of Mount Pleasant High School assistant principal Kela Moore, whom the school placed on leave Friday.

According to a police report, the father of Moore’s 8-year-old daughter reported Moore assaulted the girl last month.

Police said the child told them Moore became angry over breakfast and asked her if she wanted to be “ghetto.” The report said Moore drove the child to a housing project, punched her and pulled her hair.

Police said the girl had a bloody lip and facial scratches.

There was no answer or opportunity to leave a message Saturday at a listing for Moore.

Here is a statement released by the Superintendent of Providence Schools Thomas Brady regarding the incident.

“We learned today that one of our high school assistant principals may face charges in a personal, domestic situation. At this time, we have no indication that the administrator’s alleged acts have impacted students at the school; however, the individual has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. We realize, of course, that any allegations of wrong-doing brought against a trusted authority figure can stir strong emotion and raise serious questions among students. Our students’ well-being is always top priority, and we will make resources and time available immediately in the school to any student wishing to speak with a guidance counselor, social worker or other trusted adult.”