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Chester County Press

Former Avon Grove principal Tom Alexander charged with domestic assault

08/29/2017 02:17PM ● By J. Chambless

Thomas M. Alexander speaks to the graduating class of Avon Grove High School in 2015. (File photo by Richard Gaw)

A former principal of Avon Grove High School was arrested in July for domestic assault, according to Birmingham Township Police.

Thomas M. Alexander, 49, is free on bail after being arrested in July for felony aggravated assault and simple assault, unlawful restraint and harassment. A preliminary hearing will be held on Sept. 11 in District Court in Kennett Square.

A police report said that Alexander pulled his wife out of bed on the night of July 12, punched her and kicked her, and put a pillow over her face while striking her. She has since filed a Protection From Abuse order. The couple lived in Birmingham Township before the incident.

Avon Grove School District Superintendent Christopher Marchese issued a statement on Aug. 28 regarding Alexander.

“The Avon Grove School District is aware of the charges against Mr. Thomas Alexander,” he wrote. “The district, as a normal course of action, does not respond or issue comments regarding personnel matters. At this time, we understand that the charges filed against Mr. Alexander are not associated with his role as an employee of the district.

“The district will cooperate with local authorities and is following all appropriate requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, pertaining to reporting and procedure.”

Alexander worked for the district as director of educational services in 2015 after working as a teacher and principal. He provided administrative support for human resources, student services, community relations, and transportation. He has no direct contact with students as director of educational services.