Gov. Kotek reacts to St. Helens ongoing teacher sex abuse scandal [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addressed the St. Helens community in the wake of an ongoing teacher sex abuse scandal that has sent shockwaves through the town and the district.

“It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today,” Kotek said. “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.”

The Oregon Department of Human Services is investigating six staff members and administrators. Last week, Superintendent Scot Stockwell was placed on administrative leave. Kotek said if the district does not name an acting superintendent within 14 days, she will “escalate the state’s engagement with the district” and name an interim superintendent herself.

The district’s board of directors have scheduled a public meeting on Monday to …