Middle School Principal Arrested for Sexual Abuse of a Minor Child

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho - A middle school principal is being charged with sexual abuse of a minor child.

Elmore County Officials confirmed to KTVB (Boise) that Hacker Middle School Principal, John Clark, was arrested late Friday night. According to the Mountain Home Police Department, Clark is charged with sexual abuse of a minor. No bail has been posted.

One Mountain Home resident says Clark has been a teacher in the school district for several years.

Hacker Middle School principal arrested for sexual abuse of a minor child. (Photo: Mary Kienzle/KTVB)

Parents say they're shocked, disturbed, and concerned for everyone involved.

"You feel almost morally outraged but at the same time you kind of want to collect yourself and don't want to assume someone is guilty of such a heinous thing," said Beverly Hodges, a mom of a 5th grader.

Mountain Home School District Superintendent James Gilbert sent out this statement a short time ago:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As many of you may or may not know, the Principal of Hacker Middle School was arrested Friday evening.  While the district normally doesn’t publically address personnel matters, due to the severity of these allegations, we feel it is important to reassure our parents that the safety of your children is our top priority.  We want to inform parents that this incident did not involve any Hacker students or happen on school grounds.  The principal is no longer in the building and has been placed on administrative leave by the district.  While we know there may be many questions regarding this situation, the district is limited on the information that can be provided, as this is a personnel and criminal matter.

As we move forward, we want to assure you that we have a plan in place to address the needs of students and staff at Hacker Middle School. 

Respectfully,

James Gilbert, Superintendent