In a shocking revelation, OPB reports that the St. Helens School District knowingly allowed predators to operate unchecked for years, enabling the systematic abuse of students while covering up allegations. The district’s negligence came to light only after law enforcement intervened, exposing the horrific failure to protect vulnerable children in their care.
Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue revealed that his department subpoenaed the district in October, uncovering historical reports made by students that the school had deliberately withheld from authorities. These reports, spanning from 2019 to 2023, corroborate victim statements that ultimately led to the arrests of two teachers—choir teacher Eric Stearns and retired math teacher Mark Collins. Both men now face multiple charges of sexually abusing students between 2015 and 2023.
A System That Protected Monsters Over Children
Eric Stearns, described by some students as a "father figure," is facing seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse involving six different students. Mark Collins, a retired teacher, faces similar charges spanning six years. Disturbingly, school officials had multiple opportunities to report the abuse but instead chose silence, violating state laws requiring mandatory reporting of such allegations.
Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond is investigating whether the district’s inaction constitutes criminal behavior. "The district didn’t just fail—it betrayed its most fundamental duty to protect students," Pond stated.
The Breaking Point: A Tip on TikTok
The investigation began after a TikTok user, a former St. Helens student, posted about the abuse. This led detectives to identify victims and witnesses through comments, further unraveling the web of deceit perpetuated by the district.
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“These comments began naming Eric Stearns,” Hogue said. “Then another name came up—a retired teacher, Mark Collins.”
This revelation, paired with years of unreported allegations, paints a damning picture of systemic failure.
Rage and Protest in the Community
Outraged students and parents have taken to the streets, demanding accountability. Dozens of protests have erupted outside St. Helens High School, with signs accusing district officials of complicity. On Friday, the high school and other district schools closed, unable to handle the backlash.
Parents are demanding the resignation of Superintendent Scot Stockwell, Principal Katy Wagner, and the entire school board. At an emergency meeting, the board placed Stockwell and Wagner on paid administrative leave—an act many see as too little, too late.
"The community has lost all faith in the district," said Board Vice Chair Trinity Monahan.
Betrayal Beyond Words
For students like Jorja, a senior at the high school, the betrayal cuts deep. “We’re heartbroken,” she said. “The abuse allegations against Stearns pushed us over the edge. It feels like they ignored every warning sign.”
Anthony, another senior, echoed the devastation. “He was like a father figure to me,” he said of Stearns. “I just sobbed in my mom’s arms. My friends deserve to feel safe at school.”
Unanswered Questions
The arrests have left the community reeling, with six victims identified so far. The horrifying allegations also raise a grim question: how many more students suffered in silence while the district turned a blind eye?
The district’s Facebook announcement confirmed that Board Chair Ryan Scholl has resigned, but other members have yet to follow suit. For many parents, this isn’t enough. They want justice, not just for the victims, but for the years of trauma and betrayal caused by the district’s willful neglect.
