LIBERTY, MO (KCTV) -

A Missouri middle school principal is resigning in the wake of a boy with Asperger's syndrome being brutally attacked at school.

Monday night Liberty Public Schools says their board of education granted Dan Weakley a personal leave of absence for the rest of the 2014-2015 school year, effective immediately. Weakley will then resign as principal at the end of the school year.

In a letter sent home to Liberty Middle School parents and guardians, Weakley said he was stepping down to allow the school less distraction. This came after the story of Blake Kitchen being punched and thrown to the ground by an older student in the school's cafeteria got widespread local attention.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Many of you have likely read about a serious student incident that occurred at our school a few weeks ago. As part of that story, much focus has been on me as the building leader. In order to allow the school less distraction and continued focus on student learning I have asked the Board of Education to allow me to take a leave of absence for personal reasons. The Board of Education has granted that request.

It is with heavy heart that I also inform you that I have decided to resign as Principal of Liberty Middle School at the end of the school year. The District has assigned additional administrative help for my time of leave. I ask that you give them your full support. Please know that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Liberty Middle students for the past 8 years. I will miss the daily interactions with students, staff and the greater Liberty Public Schools community.

Sincerely,

DAN WEAKLEY

Blake, 12, came back to school Monday after his 14-year-old attacker went away to juvenile detention.

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Liberty principal resigns after student with Asperger's attacked, bullied