The Anchorage School District has asked police to investigate "inappropriate actions of a sexual nature" involving a community member and South Anchorage High School students, the district said in a written statement Thursday.
The district said the community member is not a district employee, "and to ASD's knowledge, there is no connection to any Anchorage School District employee or facility." The "inappropriate actions" were reported to a South High staff member, and the high school administration immediately contacted police, according to the district's statement sent around 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
Catherine Esary, school district spokeswoman, said "as far as ASD is aware," the reported inappropriate actions did not happen on school grounds. She said South High staff got the report last Thursday, Oct. 18, and told police right away.
The school district and the Anchorage Police Department declined to release additional details, including whether one incident or several were reported, when the "inappropriate actions" happened and where they happened.
Esary referred questions to police. In response to questions, Renee Oistad, police spokeswoman, said in an email: "We are aware of the allegations and are investigating. There is no additional information to release at this time."
The South High principal sent a message to parents Thursday evening about a report of "inappropriate actions of a sexual nature" involving a community member and South students.
"The Anchorage School District's main concern is always the safety and well-being of our students and APD assures the District that there is no immediate threat or risk to students or staff," said the message from principal Wendy Pondolfino.
Esary said the district released the statement Thursday because "as the police investigation continued, the district knew that rumors would begin to be circulated."
"We want parents and the community to know that we appreciate when students and parents come forward and share information with our schools and the district," Esary said.
The school district is encouraging anyone with more information to call Anchorage police at 311.
Note: This story was updated Friday with some additional information from the Anchorage School District, including when the "inappropriate actions" were reported to school staff.