Message to the Rainier community from Board Chairperson Eric Schimmel

To the Rainier Community - 

As your school board chair of the Rainier School District, I wanted to write to our community during this very difficult week. 

The news of two recent arrests, and in particular the arrest of our Junior/Senior High School Principal, is very upsetting. The safety and protection of our students will always be our highest priority.

I want to reiterate a previous message sent by Superintendent Holloway. Law enforcement has confirmed that Rainier students are not believed to be involved in either recent arrest; however, the district is fully cooperating with investigators and taking every step necessary to ensure the safety of our students.

That includes passing along ways you can share information you think might be relevant to these cases:

• If you have information that could assist law enforcement regarding Mr. Williams, please contact Detective Kris Moore (Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office) at 360-577-3092, Case #A25-20691.
• If you have information related to Mr. Rubio, please contact Officer Johnson (Scappoose Police) at 503-397-1521, Case #250039093.

Crisis-response professionals are on campus this week to provide support for any student or staff member.

If you are ever concerned about a child’s safety, please call the statewide abuse hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233) or use the Safe Oregon Tipline (available 24/7).

We are committed to keeping our schools safe, supportive and focused on students. The school district will continue to share information as needed. 

Sincerely,
 Eric Schimmel
 Rainier Board Chair, Zone 2