According to community members, school officials closed the school to have a field day for staff to learn how to properly handle allegations of sexual abuse.

Police also say they are investigating a teacher at St. Helens Middle School for misconduct, but did not release his name or the nature of the alleged misconduct.

Authorities urge anyone who suspects ongoing child abuse or neglect to call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

The Vice President of the Board of the School District of St. Helens issued the following statement regarding the latest allegations:

“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. We have also just been made aware of an active investigation by the St. Louis Police Department. Helens of one of us. school teachers for alleged criminal conduct. That teacher has been placed on administrative leave and we are cooperating with the St. Louis Police Department. Helens, as this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further on this investigation at this time and must comply with due process and privacy laws.”