RYE - SAU 50 Superintendent George Cushing is standing behind Rye Junior High School Principal Chris Pollet, who is fighting a drunk driving charge.

According to a state police arrest log, Pollet, 46, of Stratham was arrested and charged Nov. 21 around 5:21 p.m. on Route 16 in Rochester.

Cushing said Pollet was involved in an accident when he swerved to avoid another vehicle and was later treated at a hospital for head trauma, acute cervical strain and chemical burns from a deployed airbag. It was later determined that Pollet suffered a concussion, Cushing said.

He said Pollet is recovering and has returned to school on a reduced schedule

"He hasn't had his day (in court) to answer the charges yet," Cushing said. "He is denying it and he has not been convicted of anything."

Calls to Pollet and his Portsmouth lawyer, Sven Wiberg, were not returned Monday.

Pollet was hired to take the helm at Rye Junior High School in 2007 after serving in the Oyster River School District for many years.

"He has been a very dependable employee and leader and I expect that to continue," Cushing said, adding that he had "a lot of faith" in his principal.

Cushing said Pollet has been up front with parents and school officials about what happened.

Parents were alerted on Monday, the superintendent said.

gmacalaster@newstote.com