ST. HELENS, Ore. — A shocking scandal has erupted within the St. Helens School District, as law enforcement reveals they had been receiving allegations of sexual abuse against students by teachers for several years without proper disclosures being made. This troubling incident has led to the arrests of two teachers, music educator Eric Stearns and math teacher Mark Collins, who are now facing serious charges of sexual abuse involving multiple students from 2015 to 2024.
According to Columbia County Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue, these allegations came to light when his department uncovered historical reports detailing instances of abuse made by students. It is alleged the St. Helens School District officials failed to notify authorities about the accusations, which is not only negligent but potentially illegal under state law, compounding the distress of parents and students alike.
“The district never informed law enforcement or state officials about these reports, which was required by law,” Hogue said, raising significant concerns about the entrenched culture of secrecy surrounding allegations of misconduct. Investigators have confirmed there are at least six known victims, with court documents outlining the extent of this misconduct.
The police investigation was reportedly triggered by social media, where TikTok users alerted authorities, sharing comments naming one of the accused teachers. It wasn’t long before detectives tracked down and interviewed additional victims who corroborated these allegations.
The arrests of Stearns and Collins, which occurred this week, sparked outrage throughout the community, culminating in protests led by students outside St. Helens High School. Students expressed feelings of betrayal, lamenting how their schools allowed these educators to continue teaching amid investigations. The unrest among the student body led to the decision to close schools district-wide for several days.
Widespread protests took place on November 15, with students demanding accountability not only for the teachers but also from school district leadership. Many held signs and shouted chants calling out for the immediate resignation of Superintendent Scot Stockwell and Principal Katy Wagner, claiming their failure to act on previous complaints compounded the trauma already faced by victims.
“There’s so many issues going on at this school, but this just tipped us over the edge,” said Jorja, a senior. Anthony, another student, articulated the more personal impact of the arrests, describing Stearns as “like a father figure” to him and expressing his disappointment. “I just wanted to feel safe at this school,” he said, clearly shaken by the realization of betrayal from someone he trusted.
Following the protests, the school board convened for emergency meetings where decisions were made to place the superintendent and principal on paid administrative leave. Board Chair Ryan Scholl resigned days after the arrests, illustrating the palpable tension and lack of confidence from the community. Vice Chair Trinity Monahan acknowledged the severe losses of faith among parents and students, remarking, “The community has lost faith in the district.”
The district’s reevaluation of its officials appears urgent, especially considering this is not the first time the St. Helens School District has faced allegations of improper conduct. A teacher was previously convicted of sexually abusing students on the track team, and the district was forced to settle civil rights lawsuits for substantial amounts, signaling a troubling history of negligence and mismanagement.
News of the recent abuses has opened old wounds for many, emphasizing just how deeply ingrained problems can lay hidden beneath the surface of educational institutions meant to protect and nurture the students. With heightened scrutiny now focused on how the school district responds to allegations and how they handle previous reports, parents and students alike are calling for transparency and accountability.
St. Helens District officials announced just this week they will be closing schools on November 17 to mitigate the tension but expressed hopes for reopening shortly after. “We’re actively addressing the situation to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students,” said district officials, indicating they’re taking steps to rectify their oversight.
This debacle raises broader questions about the systems intended to guard children's welfare and how they sometimes fail to protect the very individuals they serve. The situation is fluid, with police continuing their investigation and more individuals coming forward with their stories.
This scandal has sent ripples of shock through the community, leaving many questioning the efficacy of child protection protocols within educational settings and the role authorities play when alerted to such serious allegations.
With the state turning its attention to the inner workings of the St. Helens School District, local parents hope this will pave the way for genuine changes moving forward, ensuring another painful chapter of silence does not remain the standard. For now, the school district's immediate future remains unclear, but one thing is certain—the calls for justice and reform will echo loudly until tangible change is achieved.
