Note: This story involves sexual abuse. If you or someone you know may be a victim of sexual abuse, confidential support, information and advice are available at the National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 800-656-4673. Text chat is also available online.

In St. Helens, Oregon, emotions are still high and information still frustratingly low for many families, after police arrested two high school teachers for alleged sexual abuse.

A group of citizens — headed by St. Helens mayor-elect Jennifer Massey — gathered for a town hall meeting at the local senior center Friday evening to vent and to organize ways to change their city.

“We don’t feel we can trust the school district anymore,” said Richard McKean, a father of a highschool student in St. Helens. “They have failed miserably and it’s time somebody does something about it, fights back.”

Kathleen Alexander, who teaches third grade in St. Helens, said it was frustrating to see abuse had continued in St. Helens, after the district recently paid out $3.5 million following the conviction of former teacher Kyle Wroblewski for his yearslong abuse of a student.

“I’m disgusted that we’re here and that we’re talking about this, but I’m proud of the community for facing the situation, because I think sunlight is the best disinfectant,” Alexander said. “We need to get to the bottom of what did happen and there needs to be accountability.”

Emotions have continued to accelerate in St. Helens, the city of about 15,000 people in Columbia County. St. Helens Police on Nov. 12 arrested two high school employees — choir teacher Eric Stearns and retired math teacher Mark Collins — on multiple charges of sexual abuse of children. Police announced Thursday they’re also investigating a middle school teacher.

Police later said they found years of historical reports detailing allegations against the teachers, leading to an uproar in the community. Student protests shut down the high school for three days. Superintendent Scot Stockwell and High School Principal Katy Wagner remain on paid administrative leave.

The fallout has attracted nationwide attention, with Gov. Tina Kotek pledging to step in if the district failed to act promptly.

Gov. Kotek offers support and condolence amid growing St. Helens school sex abuse crisis

‘We really need you guys to show up’

Many in attendance wanted more information about the process for mandatory reporting, and what the penalties are for failing to do so. Educators in Oregon are required to report to authorities when they suspect someone is being abused or that someone they know has committed abuse.

Massey is currently leading an effort to increase the penalties when mandatory reporters intentionally withhold information. She said the current penalties amount to a fine.

“It does appear, and others agree, that there’s a deficiency there,” Massey told the crowd. “When there’s a call to action, we really need you guys to show up.”

Oregon state Sen. Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook, attended the meeting virtually and said that increasing the penalties for failure to report suspected abuse could become a focus in the next legislative session.

“We cannot drop the ball. We have to pay attention. We have to follow the laws,” Weber said. “And if the laws are not adequate for protecting our children, we have to make sure that they are.”

Others discussed ways they could recall the remaining four members of the school board. Oregon law allows voters to recall elected officials and hold new elections, a monthslong process that has been attempted unsuccessfully at the state level.

Two board members are already up for reelection in May: Vice Chair Trinity Monahan and Kellie Smith, who is also a Columbia County commissioner. Former board member Ryan Scholl’s seat is also available following his resignation.

With a potential majority for the taking, Massey said it could be more worthwhile to rally around a slate of candidates who support widespread change in the district.

“A recall really doesn’t make logical sense with the amount of effort, calories and time that goes into place,” Massey said.

One constant throughout the meeting was a desire for more information about what had happened: how many children had been affected? Who at the district received reports? Why were none forwarded to local police or Department of Human Services?

Oregon DHS investigates St. Helens high school principal for allegedly not reporting yearslong abuse

With the superintendent and high school principal on administrative leave, Massey said there had been “radio silence” from the school district. No one from the school district attended the town hall.

The school board is scheduled to have another special meeting on Monday, Nov. 25, to appoint an acting superintendent.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2024/11/24/st-helens-town-hall-school-sex-abuse/