JEWELL — An investigation is underway following alleged sex abuse involving two students at Jewell School.

On Dec. 5, the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office responded to the small, rural school at the request of staff and investigated a complaint of sex abuse, according to a statement released by Sheriff Matt Phillips.

According to the statement, a 13-year-old student was taken into custody and brought to a youth detention facility. The Clatsop County Juvenile Department is now working with the district attorney’s office to continue the process.

On Monday night, dozens of parents filled the seats of the Jewell School auditorium for a community meeting led by interim superintendent Cory Pederson.

“This meeting has been called by the district to address significant concerns that have surfaced around student safety, specifically in light of a situation that took place at the end of last week,” Pederson said. “As a parent myself, I am disheartened, saddened and upset just as much. I understand your concerns and I will do everything possible to address those concerns.”

Although Pederson was unable to provide specific details about the alleged incident, citing an ongoing criminal investigation, he did confirm that the alleged perpetrator was not on campus. A decision about whether the student will return to school likely won’t be made until after the investigation concludes.

School was canceled on Monday and Tuesday to allow staff to prepare and discuss potential policies for student safety, including mandatory hall passes for all students, hall monitors and educational resources for all students on sexual abuse.

Despite those efforts, many parents expressed their frustration with what they perceive as a lack of transparency and accountability in responding to the incident and similar situations in the past.

“All of the safety measures you’re putting in place now are great, but somebody’s entire life has been affected,” one parent told Pederson.

Another parent outlined similar concerns.

“See something say something is appropriate, and our children should have voices, but the burden of responsibility should not be the children’s,” he said. “You guys need to own this. You need to make it right and you need to prevent it going forward.”

Some noted the challenges of student safety at a K-12 school, with several calling for more separation between elementary, middle and high schoolers, especially in restroom areas. Pederson said the school district has discussed having kindergarteners use the school’s designated prekindergarten restrooms and restricting restroom use during lunch and recess.

Parents also called for improved communication between district staff. The incident comes after years of turnover of administrators at the school.

“If you know who I am, you know how heartbroken I am and how much I want to help repair and fix this,” Pederson said.