Authorities are investigating allegations that a male teacher at the Hot Springs School District inappropriately touched a female student.  

The initial complaint was reported in early May to a school administrative employee, said Hot Springs Police Chief Eric Larson. The employee forwarded the complaint to a school resource officer, who alerted the police chief and Sanders County Attorney’s Office.  

Since then, more female students have come forward with complaints against the same teacher, Larson said. He did not disclose how many students are involved in the investigation but said it is currently less than 10.  

The district’s Board of Trustees and former Superintendent Gerald Chouinard were made aware of the allegations, and the school district's legal consultant, Kaleva Law Office in Missoula, was contacted, according to the police chief. 

Chouinard refused to provide the police with a statement when interviewed, Larson said.  

The former superintendent abruptly quit on May 18. Although he announced his intention to depart the school district in March, he originally planned to stay until June 30.  

Chouinard’s departure was announced later that day at a special Board of Trustees meeting. That meeting’s agenda included a discussion of placing Chouinard on a leave of absence.  

Chouinard did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Inter Lake.  

School district officials acknowledged the ongoing investigation in a social media post on June 1, stating that the accused teacher is on leave pending the outcome of an investigation. 

“The district generally does not comment on ongoing investigations, or respond to false statements on social media platforms,” the post stated. “Based on the staggering amount of misinformation being put on social media, however, the district will confirm that a complaint was received regarding a teacher in the district.” 

School district officials did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Inter Lake. 

This is the second time in six months a student has filed a complaint against the same teacher, Larson said. The first investigation, which he said also involved inappropriate touching, was handled by the school district, but no charges were brought forward, and the teacher was allowed to return to work.  

Larson did not name the teacher. 

Law enforcement officials are looking into both alleged incidents, Larson said. 

MEANWHILE AUTHORITIES are investigating a separate case at Hot Springs School District into the alleged embezzlement of funds by the school district's former clerk and business manager, Carmen Jackson.

Sanders County Sheriff Shawn Fielders said the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office was tapped for the investigation to avoid any conflict of interest. He described it as a “major case.”*

Findings will be turned over to the Sanders County Attorney’s Office at the conclusion of the investigation, he said.  

The Sanders County Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

*This story was corrected to clarify that the Flathead County Sheriff's Office is investigating a separate case that involves embezzlement allegations against a former Hot Springs School District employee

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.