Editor's note: This story and video has been updated to clarify which state agency has opened investigations into allegations of sex abuse at St. Helens High School.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Amidst the ongoing sexual abuse cases in the St. Helens School District, the Oregon Department of Human Services said that they are investigating two more allegations of sexual abuse against St. Helens High School staff members as well as allegations of failure to report child safety concerns against the district's superintendent, who is on administrative leave.
Alongside Eric Stearns and Mark Collins, who were arrested on sexual abuse charges earlier this month by St. Helens Police, ODHS said that there are two other staff members at the school who they are currently investigating on allegations of sexual abuse.
ODHS also shared that St. Helens School District superintendent Scot Stockwell, who was recently put on administrative leave, is also being investigated for neglecting to report child safety concerns.
This development comes just one day after officials shared that St. Helens High School principal Katy Wagner is under investigation for neglecting child safety on campus.
On Thursday, police also revealed that a St. Helens Middle School teacher was being investigated for "offensive physical contact" with students.
On Friday morning, the City of St. Helens shared a letter with the community from Gov. Tina Kotek reacting to the ongoing situation and sharing what steps are being taken by the district.
"My duty as your Governor, and the superintendent of public education, is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students that enter our schools, each and every day," the letter reads. "I am taking this issue very seriously and I offer my sincere condolences for the current situation that your community is facing, including the trust broken by the lack of transparency and immediate response to the allegations by district leadership."
Gov. Kotek goes on to address the investigation, saying that ODHS is still investigating both the abuse allegations and allegations that mandatory reporters failed in their duty. She also shared that once investigations are complete, local law enforcement will be informed so that anyone involved can be held accountable.
The administration at St. Helens High School has been given mandatory reporting training and Kotek said that the staff at both the middle and elementary school will also be receiving the training.
Kotek also addresses the current lack of an interim superintendent, saying that if one isn't appointed within 14 days then the state will escalate and make a recommendation for the position.
Read the full letter from Gov. Kotek below:
Dear St. Helens Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today. Over the last week, I have been closely monitoring developments for the St. Helens School District and community following the arrests of a current district employee and a retired district employee.
My duty as your Governor, and the superintendent of public education, is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students that enter our schools, each and every day. I am taking this issue very seriously and I offer my sincere condolences for the current situation that your community is facing, including the trust broken by the lack of transparency and immediate response to the allegations by district leadership.
As you know, the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS) is investigating these allegations of abuse and whether mandatory reporters in the district failed their legal obligation to report suspected child abuse. Once their investigations are complete, they will share their findings with local law enforcement, the school district, and relevant state agencies so these entities can take the appropriate course of action to hold accountable every person who failed their legal obligation to report suspected child abuse. In addition, OTIS has provided training on mandatory reporting to St. Helens High School administrative staff this week and will provide training to St. Helens middle and elementary school administrators by the end of December.
Our children rely on us to recognize when something isn’t right and to protect them by calling the abuse hotline to report suspected abuse or neglect at 855-503-SAFE (7233). The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
My team has been working with the Oregon Department of Education, education partners, and our congressional delegation to support the district. I understand that an acting superintendent will be appointed swiftly. If this expectation is not met within 14 days, I am prepared to escalate the state’s engagement with the district and make a recommendation for an interim superintendent.
I stand with you and your community as you continue to navigate the impacts from this situation.
