In early November 2024, allegations emerged at St. Helens High School in Columbia County, Oregon, that two educators had engaged in sexual misconduct with students, triggering arrests, administrative leaves, community protests, and the resignation of the School Board Chair. Choir teacher Eric Stearns and retired math teacher Mark Collins each face multiple counts of sexual abuse, and Principal Dr. Katy Wagner and Superintendent Scot Stockwell have been placed on paid leave amid outrage over how reports were handled. This scandal not only rocked the town of St. Helens—home to roughly 960 students—but also highlighted a broader pattern of educator predation in Oregon, where state records show 60 teachers had their licenses revoked for sexual misconduct over the past six years, a figure experts say undercounts the actual number of offenders. These events underscore the importance of transparent reporting channels, vigilant bystander intervention, and unwavering support for survivors of abuse.
Eric Stearns, a current choir teacher at St. Helens High, was arrested after a two‑month investigation sparked by a TikTok tip. He’s charged with seven counts of sexual abuse and has pleaded not guilty. Mark Collins, a recently retired math teacher from the same school, faces two counts of sexual abuse and one count of attempted sexual abuse. Two students have come forward publicly as victims so far, though prosecutors believe there may be more. District officials say the investigation began in late September when a student posted a TikTok video hinting at misconduct; the district did not act immediately on earlier informal complaints, which have now drawn harsh criticism from parents and state lawmakers.
In the wake of the arrests, Principal Katy Wagner and Superintendent Scot Stockwell were both placed on paid administrative leave pending a thorough internal review of the district’s handling of the allegations. The scandal culminated in the resignation of School Board Chair Ryan Scholl, who stepped down after community members accused the board of “willful negligence” for allowing the teachers to remain in contact with students despite early warning signs. Classes and extracurricular programs—including choir rehearsals and math club—were suspended for several days as dozens of students and parents protested on campus, demanding accountability and safer reporting structures.
An investigation by KGW found that 60 Oregon teachers had their licenses revoked for sexual misconduct over the past six years, though attorneys caution this number underrepresents the true scope of abuse. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that the St. Helens case “illustrates a much broader pattern of predatory educators grooming, harassing and sexually abusing students across Oregon and the country,” with an estimated one in ten young people nationwide experiencing educator misconduct by graduation.
Several St. Helens High parents spoke out at the school board meeting, with one mother saying, “They knowingly and willingly put my kid and everybody else’s child at risk while allowing a predator to remain here teaching”. Local businesses, faith groups, and alumni associations have pledged to work with the district to rebuild trust, but many students report ongoing anxiety about returning to classrooms where the adults charged with their safety failed them.
In these situations, it is essential to know your resources, speak up early, support survivors, and stay informed. Predatory behavior can surface anywhere.
