The principal of Merrimack Valley Middle School in Penacook is scheduled to face a judge next week after police say she drove drunk and crashed her car in Belmont.
Kara Lamontagne, 50, of Sanbornton faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated in connection with the crash on Union Road in Belmont on Jan. 27.
Lt. Steve Akerstrom said Lamontagne was driving a black Mazda SUV on Union Road at about 3:10 p.m. when she failed to negotiate a curve, causing her vehicle to strike a tree head-on. The SUV sustained heavy front-end damage in the crash and was towed from the scene.
Lamontagne was taken by ambulance to the hospital; however, Akerstrom said he did not know the nature of her injuries. She was traveling alone at the time of the crash and no other vehicles were involved. She was bailed on her charges directly from the hospital.
Lamontagne is listed on the district’s website as the principal of Merrimack Valley Middle School, which serves students living in the towns of Boscawen, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury and Webster. She has served in that role since July 2016, according to her LinkedIn page. Previously, she was employed by the Gilford School District.
Merrimack Valley School District Superintendent Mark MacLean confirmed that Lamontage was not at work the day of the incident and remains out on leave.
“We are very happy that Ms. Lamontagne did not sustain any serious injuries as a result of the single-vehicle accident,” MacLean said.
“Beyond that, we cannot provide comment on personnel matters,” he added
In the meantime, MacLean said, Assistant Principal Brian Lynch will assume the duties of acting principal at the middle school. Lynch and the school will receive any additional support from the school district administration as needed.
Lamontagne is scheduled to appear Feb. 13 at 8:15 a.m. in Laconia’s district court.