Photo by Derek Redd Former Wheeling Middle School Principal Rich McCardle was charged with one county of child abuse Monday following an alleged incident in March with a student.

Ohio County Schools released a statement Monday afternoon following the announcement that former Wheeling Middle School Principal Rich McCardle was charged with one felony count of child abuse.

“The Ohio County Board of Education acknowledges the criminal charge brought against a former principal for conduct that occurred during his employment with the district.

“Upon learning of the incident, the district acted promptly and in accordance with its legal obligations which included removing the principal from his duties, making all required mandatory reports, and notifying local law enforcement, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, the West Virginia Department of Education, and the student’s family.

“That principal’s position has been filled, and the district has continued its operations without interruption.

“The school system remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff and will continue to cooperate fully with any ongoing investigations as it has all along. The West Virginia Department of Education, as the applicable licensure authority, is expected to review the matter and take appropriate action regarding the individual’s professional credentials.

“Given this is a pending criminal matter, the school system will have no further comment.”

Original story

The former principal of Wheeling Middle School was charged with one count of child abuse Monday in connection with an alleged altercation he had with a student while he still led the school.

Richard L. McCardle, 61, turned himself in to Wheeling Police on the felony count, according to a Wheeling Police Department release, and was arraigned in Ohio County Magistrate Court, where he posted bond. Terms of the bond were not immediately announced.

According to the WPD, officers were notified on March 9 by Ohio County Schools of an alleged physical altercation at Wheeling Middle School involving McCardle and a student. After a lengthy investigation and consultation with the Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office, a felony charge was filed Monday morning.

McCardle resigned as Wheeling Middle principal, and the job was posted on the Ohio County Schools website on March 13.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case involving a juvenile, the police department said, further information is not being released at this time.