Mealand Ragland-Hudgins and Brinley Hineman | Murfreesboro Daily News Journal

The principal of Walter Hill Elementary and a teacher at the school are facing child abuse charges, a Rutherford County Schools spokesman said.

Principal Helen Campbell and teacher Bonnie Marlar have both been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, district spokesman James Evans said Saturday afternoon. Both are facing misdemeanor charges, he said.

Walter Hill Elementary parents were notified by phone and email Saturday afternoon, Evans said.

"We understand this comes as shocking information and that you want more details, but we are not able to release additional information at this time because of the ongoing law enforcement investigation. However, we want you to know that student safety is of the utmost concern, which is why we have acted quickly to this situation until it can be resolved," Evans said in a statement.

HELEN COMER/DNJ

The school will be open as planned on Monday with an interim principal in place, he said.

Online court records show the alleged offense occurred on Monday, Nov. 4.

RCSO spokeswoman Lisa Marchesoni said she was unable to release additional information as the investigation is ongoing.

Campbell was named principal of the school ahead of the 2013-14 school year. The school's website shows Marlar is employed as a special education teacher.

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Walter Hill Elementary currently has approximately 350 students enrolled this year. Rutherford County Schools officials are in the process of developing a plan to send 150 students to te school from Wilson Elementary as part of a rezoning.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.