The following statement was issued by the St. Helens School District Board Vice Chair on Thursday, Nov. 21. The district will not comment further at this time.
We are appalled and deeply saddened by the crisis our school community is experiencing after arrests were made for child sexual abuse at St. Helens High School. We were also just informed of an active investigation by St. Helens Police Department of one of our middle school teachers for alleged criminal conduct. That teacher has been placed on administrative leave and we are cooperating with the St. Helens Police Department. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further on this investigation at this time and must respect due process and privacy laws.
Our students rely on the adults in our schools to ensure a safe, welcoming school environment. Their well-being is our highest priority. We are asking that families and students report any concerns to the St. Helens Police Department Non-Emergency line at 503-397-1521, the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 855-503-7233, or the SafeOregon Tip Line at 844-472-3367. Our school district has offered counseling spaces for processing and peer listening sessions. We have brought in mental health resources from Columbia County Mental Health, Columbia Health Services, the Northwest Regional Education Service District and neighboring districts to ensure adequate access to services. The education service district has also engaged an external, third-party investigator to review the efficacy of district policy implementation, systems for accountability and staff training, including training and accountability for mandatory reporters.
In taking steps to minimize further disruption to school operations, the St. Helens School District’s Board of Directors is recruiting a temporary acting superintendent. The Board is scheduling a public meeting for Monday, Nov. 25, at 6:30 pm to consider the appointment of the acting superintendent and introduce them to the community. The acting superintendent will be charged with liaising with investigators, serving as the spokesperson for the school district and school board, and ensuring stable day-to-day operations.
The Board will also begin the process to gather community feedback that will drive the district’s next steps, including the selection of an interim superintendent.
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