Community Education Police & Fire

Sheriff’s Department investigating allegations against Evergreen Elementary teacher

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is investigating allegations of misconduct toward students by a teacher at Evergreen Elementary. The Peninsula School District placed the teacher on administrative leave.

Superintendent Krestin Bahr informed district parents and students of the investigation Friday morning, March 15.

“I am writing to share a very concerning situation within our school community,” Bahr said. “The allegations concern boundary invasions, verbal statements and potentially touching. I want to emphasize that these are allegations at this juncture. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement, and the teacher has been placed on administrative leave.”

Detectives will begin reaching out to families of the teacher’s students to conduct interviews.

“In reading the above, I am sure that, like me, every alarm bell has gone off in your head,” Bahr wrote. “I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is not just a priority; it is the foundation upon which our schools operate.

“If these allegations are found true, they stand in stark opposition to everything we stand for. We are working closely with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and will act decisively based on their findings.”

Bahr pledged to update the community “as appropriate provided it does not undermine the legal process.

“Please understand that for both privacy reasons and for the integrity of the investigative process, there may be information that we are not at liberty to share,” she said. “As our community navigates this situation, I want to thank you for keeping the safety and well-being of our students at the forefront of your thoughts and actions.”

Anyone with information on the case should contact Detective Brendon Ossman at the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department at (253) 798-4876.