The superintendent of the Gilford School District is facing domestic violence assault charges stemming from a July incident in Concord and is currently on leave from the school district, according to the chair of the school board.
Kirk Bietler, 57, of Concord, is facing two charges, one of domestic violence simple assault and one of simple assault, in relation to an incident that occurred at Bietler’s Concord home off of Shaker Road late on July 6. According to court documents, Bietler, who is identified as James K. Bietler, is accused of striking a female family member with his hand.
The court issued an order of protection for the victim, amended on July 9, which bans Bietler from having contact with the victim unless there is another family member or other adult in close proximity.
Bietler was released on personal recognizance following his July 7 arraignment. The court’s order initially called for Bietler to refrain from any use of alcohol or narcotic drug, but was later changed, telling Bietler to avoid “excessive” use of alcohol or other controlled substances. He is due back in court for a hearing Oct. 19.
Bietler is on leave from his superintendent job, Gilford School Board Chairwoman Gretchen Gandini said at the school board meeting Aug 2. Gandini said that Amie Leigh, the district’s business administrator, will perform the superintendent’s duties.
Jesse Friedman, defense lawyer for Bietler, told the Laconia Daily Sun Monday that his client maintains his innocence and the charges against him are unwarranted.
“Kirk Beitler is a good man,” Friedman said in a statement. “He has been married to his wife Christine for 26 years and is raising three outstanding daughters. The events of July 6th are a private family matter and entail sensitive issues that should not be the cause for public discourse or disparage Kirk’s character in any way.”