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Students, victims urge St. Helens SD 502 board not to release former teacher Eric Stearns, call for resignations
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 26 St. Helens School District 502 board meeting, students and adult victims read impact statements opposing any release of former teacher Eric Stearns, described alleged abuse, and urged board members to resign and for the district to hold administrators accountable.
Dozens of students and community members addressed the St. Helens School District 502 board on Feb. 26 to oppose the possible release of former choir teacher Eric Stearns and to call for board accountability.
The speakers, many identifying themselves as current or former students, described trauma they said resulted from interactions with Stearns and asked the board to prevent any release and to resign. Sophia (Sofia) Dube, who identified herself as “a junior at Saint Hans High School,” read a statement saying, “Eric Stearns is 1 of the most deceptive individuals that I have ever come to.” She described being 14 at the time and said Stearns “put his hand on my throat and persuaded me that it was a vocal exercise.”
The statements were delivered during the public-comment portion of the meeting; the board does not take immediate action on items raised in public comment and the chair said concerns would be referred to the superintendent for follow-up.
Why it matters: The comments raise allegations of sexual misconduct by a former district employee and question whether district leaders and administrators acted promptly and appropriately when students reported concerns. Several speakers also tied the issue to the board’s broader fitness to serve.
Multiple people read victim-impact statements that, according to speakers, had been presented at a release hearing. Eileen Moore, who identified herself as a junior at St. Helens High School, said Stearns “used his charisma charm to make me believe he was a safe person,” and said she believes the behavior was repeated “on multiple other victims.” Ashley Glitzner, who identified herself as a parent with two children in the district, said the alleged behavior caused long-term harms including anxiety and eating disorders and urged the board that “there is no reason for Eric to be released from custody at this point.”
Several speakers directly criticized the board’s response and called for resignations. A number of commenters said the district and board delayed removing Stearns after officials first learned of allegations. One speaker said it took the district three months to fire Stearns after a second arrest; another contrasted the timing of reports made to police with district action.
Speakers also criticized the board’s tone and communication, alleging that board members had publicly minimized or mischaracterized victims’ accounts. Gina Stutz told the board that, after a student reported alleged abuse on Sept. 2, 2024, the board had promised a detailed report but had not made a timely report to authorities. Multiple speakers said outside reporting prompted official action.
The board opened the meeting by instructing the public that personnel concerns are not discussed in public meeting detail and that public comment will be referred to the superintendent. The board did not announce any immediate change of personnel or an administrative decision during the meeting.
Ending: After public comment the board moved to its regular agenda and the chair reiterated the process for handling personnel matters and referrals to staff. The district did not provide a public response to the allegations during the comment period; the board said the superintendent would be asked to report back to the board.
