WAYNE COUNTY, IND. (WOWO) Western Wayne School District Superintendent Kelly Plank has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly injuring a woman during an altercation at a New Castle lodge last month. Allegations and legal action Court documents indicate the incident occurred April 4 at E lks Lodge #484 in New Castle. Plank, 44, was not acting in her official capacity at the time. She is accused of grabbing a woman and sweeping her legs out from under her, causing the woman to hit her head and sustain fractures to her right tibia and fibula. The Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed a Level 5 felony battery charge against Plank Monday. The charge carries a possible sentence of one to six years in prison. An arrest warrant has been issued according to Fox 59.. School district response The Western Wayne Board of School Trustees said it was made aware of the allegations recently and has placed Plank on leave pending an internal investigation. “The Board takes all matters involving district leadership very seriously,” the board said in a statement. “While the allegations do not involve school property, students, or staff, we believe this step is necessary to ensure the district remains focused on its primary mission: the education and well-being of our students.” The board is finalizing plans for interim leadership, and daily operations at Lincoln Middle/High School and Western Wayne Elementary will continue as scheduled. Incident details According to court documents, Plank became involved after a minor dispute between a couple escalated at the lodge. Witnesses said Plank had been criticizing the boyfriend throughout the evening. During the confrontation, Plank allegedly grabbed the woman, who later described the action as being “like a martial arts move.” The injured woman sought medical treatment the next day for severe leg pain. Tests revealed fractures requiring surgery. Initially uncertain about pressing charges, she later decided to pursue criminal action, prompting the case filing. Forward-looking steps Plank remains on administrative leave as the school board conducts its internal review. She is expected to appear in Henry County court to respond to the felony battery charge. Authorities say additional legal proceedings will follow. The post School Board Responds After Superintendent Allegedly Injures Woman appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less