Steve Webb outlined his plans Tuesday for dealing with sexual abuse allegations within St. Helens School District.

As he announced plans to restore trust in the district, that he said he understands that people are hurting, anxious and angry.

“Many of you are outraged that the system failed to protect this community’s children,” Webb said, “and that some adults allegedly failed to act when informed of misconduct.”

Earlier this month, police arrested St. Helens High School choir director Eric Stearns, 46, as well as recently retired math teacher Mark Collins, 64. The men face charges of sexual abuse involving numerous students over several years. Both have pleaded not guilty.

The arrests of the teachers sparked outrage and protest in St. Helens and led to the resignation of the school board chair. They also resulted in both Superintendent Scot Stockwell and high school principal Katy Wagner being put on paid administrative leave.

The state Department of Human Services has said it’s investigating the two school administrators for failing to inform authorities of reports of alleged sexual abuse. DHS is also looking into four teachers, including the two who were arrested.

The sexual abuse controversy comes after former teacher Kyle Wroblewski was sentenced for sexually abusing a 17-year-old student. That case ended in 2019 with the district agreeing last spring to pay $3.5 million to settle a lawsuit.

On Monday, the embattled St. Helens school board unanimously voted to appoint Webb as acting superintendent on a 90-day contract.

“Every student should feel safe, secure and supported in our schools,” Webb said during a brief virtual school board meeting Monday night. “We must do significant work to begin rebuilding community relationships and trust.”

Outlining his plans Tuesday, Webb pledged the Northwest Regional Education Service District would conduct an independent investigation into the sexual abuse allegations. It will also review policies on mandatory reporting and staff ethics. The investigation’s findings are to be made public within two months.

Webb also said he’ll appoint an acting principal as soon as possible, hold listening sessions at each school and meet with community leaders. He declined to answer questions during his introductory press conference.

The St. Helens Board of Directors has tasked him with four main priorities for the next 90 days: to stabilize the district while managing day-to-day operations, to request an independent investigation, to comply with law enforcement and DHS on their investigations, and to launch an effort to engage with the community on next steps.

“I understand that this community wants answers and deserves them,” he said. “I commit to sharing what we learn, as allowed by law and guided by legal counsel, as the investigations proceed.”

The new acting superintendent said if the employees under investigation are found guilty, they will be held accountable, consistent with due process outlined in employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements and applicable laws.

“I ask for your patience as I navigate this challenging situation,” Webb said.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2024/11/26/acting-superintendent-st-helens-school-district-plan-teachers-sexual-abuse/