Charlotte Ellis, who recently worked for the Northwest Regional Education Service District, will take over as principal of St. Helens High School effective Dec. 4, 2024.
Courtesy of St. Helens School District
St. Helens High School has a new acting principal days after the current principal, Katy Wagner, was arrested for allegedly failing to forward reports of sexual abuse.
The district announced Tuesday afternoon that Charlotte Ellis will take over as principal effective Wednesday.
In a written statement, district officials said Ellis will be tasked with bringing stability to a school in the midst of a growing sexual abuse scandal and winning back the public’s trust in the process.
Ellis most recently worked for the Northwest Regional Education Service District, and previously spent many years as an administrator in the Pasco, Washington, school district, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“My moral purpose has always been rooted in a deep commitment to serving others and putting students first, and it is this guiding principle that has led me to this role,” Ellis said in a written statement. “I am deeply honored to serve the St. Helens community and am dedicated to listening with empathy, responding with care and compassion, and working tirelessly to rebuild the trust that is essential to our schools and community.”
Ellis is the latest replacement for the St. Helens School District administration, which has been in disarray following the arrest of two teachers for alleged sexual abuse against students for years. Police arrested Wagner on Nov. 26 for two felony charges of criminal mistreatment.
Related: St. Helens High School principal charged in growing abuse scandal
The arrests — and accusations from St. Helens police that school administrators failed to forward reports of abuse to law enforcement — ignited public outcry. It lead to widespread protesting and the high school being closed for multiple days.
Wagner, as well as Superintendent Scot Stockwell, remain on paid administrative leave.
The St. Helens School Board also recently appointed an acting superintendent, Steve Webb, who previously worked at the Vancouver School District in Washington.
St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner swears to abide by conditions for release during her arraignment at the Columbia County Circuit Court on November 27, 2024. Prosecutors charged her with two felonies for allegedly failing to forward reports that teachers had sexually abused students.
Courtesy KATU, pool / OPB
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ellis to St. Helens High School,” Acting Superintendent Steve Webb said in a written statement. “Her track record of success in leading schools and her focus on building safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments will be invaluable as we work together to ensure the success of every student.”
Related: A breakdown of sexual abuse allegations, arrests and investigations at St. Helens School District
The district also announced Tuesday its partnership with former superintendent for the Jefferson County School District, Ken Parshall. He will provide additional support to the high school’s administration, district officials said.