Phillip Gay

Cold Springs Elementary Principal Phillip Gay is on paid administrative leave until further notice following his arrest Sunday for a driving under the influence charge.

Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette said Vice Principal Vicky Johnson will serve as interim principal when students return to class Jan. 3.

Gay was charged with a DUI following a traffic stop around 8 p.m. at Graham Street and Eighth Avenue, according to Cullman police reports.

“Expectations for our leaders are pretty high so after meeting with him, I decided to place him on administrative leave indefinitely so we investigate further,” Barnette said. “Mr. Gay is very remorseful about this. My prayers are with him and his family during this time.”

The school board will determine whether any further disciplinary action is necessary, Barnette said. 

Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said he had been briefed on the arrest and said it resulted from a routine traffic stop.

“The officer observed bad driving and pulled the vehicle over,” he said.

Culpepper couldn’t confirm Tuesday whether Gay failed a field sobriety test or was administered a breathalyzer test to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). He said he would have more detailed information once the arresting officer returned to work Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, the Cullman City Court Clerk said paperwork of the incident and arrest had not yet been turned in. Since Gay was arrested by Cullman police, his case will go to municipal court where he can enter a plea.