The superintendent of the Tuckahoe School District is facing charges of criminal mischief and harassment stemming from a domestic dispute last month.

According to court documents obtained by News 12 Long Island, Dean Lucera, 52, is accused of grabbing his estranged girlfriend's face and spitting on her during an argument on Nov. 21. He is also accused of kicking in a door at her Westhampton home.

Lucera's lawyer says the incident is a big misunderstanding. He says Lucera had keys to her house because he was living there five days a week. On that particular day, he says Lucera was locked out.

According to the felony complaint, Lucera allegedly told police, "I kicked it to get inside since the door was locked."

News 12 was unable to reach Lucera's estranged girlfriend for comment.

The chairman of the Tuckahoe Board of Trustees said in a statement that the incident has been discussed with the superintendent and legal counsel and that everyone must be patient.

In the meantime, Lucera is back at work in the Tuckahoe School District. His case is scheduled to be in court in a few weeks.