Alaska News

High school vice principal charged with child abuse

An Anchorage high school vice principal is accused of child abuse and is on administrative leave pending the outcome of a misdemeanor case against her, according to the Anchorage School District. The child abuse charge filed Dec. 22 is not related to Patsy Shaha's position as a vice principal at West High School, said School District Superintendent Carol Comeau. Shaha is a longtime employee of the district, having worked at all age levels either as a teacher or administrator, Comeau said.

The alleged victim is not a West High student, according to Comeau and the Anchorage Police Department.

A police report notes bruising on the juvenile's face caused by a hand, police spokesman Lt. Dave Parker said. A more serious injury -- for example, one from an object striking a child or prolonged abuse -- would have warranted more serious felony charges, Parker said. That was not the case, he said.

The district put Shaha on administrative leave with pay when the charges were filed, Comeau said. That is standard protocol, she added.

Shaha will remain away from the school pending the outcome of the case or any significant developments from hearings, Comeau said.

If the court puts restrictions on her contact with children, Shaha might not be allowed in Anchorage schools, putting her job in jeopardy, Comeau said.

Anchorage Daily News / adn.com

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