BONNYVILLE - A local school division has provided a statement following news that a teacher at one its schools has been charged with sexual offences.
"Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) has been informed by RCMP that one of its staff has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference," reads the statement from NLPS, sent out at shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 11.
Earlier that morning, RCMP released information stating a Bonnyville elementary teacher was charged with sexual offences in early September.
"NLPS can confirm that Janelle Arnold has been employed with the division as a teacher at Duclos School for two years. This individual is no longer at an NLPS school," according to the school division. "Out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, we will not be commenting further at this time."
On Sept. 5, Bonnyville RCMP say they were contacted by concerned parents regarding alleged "inappropriate contact with a student by a teacher."
RCMP were told that at the end of August, the teacher allegedly sexually assaulted the student "and paid the student money in hopes that they would not disclose the incident," according to information from police.
On Sept. 6, following an investigation, Bonnyville RCMP arrested Arnold.
"The victim is not a current student of Duclos School or Janelle Arnold," according to the information provided by RCMP. Arnold was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
"The safety and well-being of our students are always our top priorities and our focus is on supporting our students and staff," says NLPS. "We will be working closely with the school to ensure supports are available for students and staff who need them."
An email was also sent out to parents of students at Duclos School by NLPS on Wednesday morning, notifying them of the charges.
