VIRGINIA — Christopher Chad, the dean of students at Rock Ridge High School, was arrested Tuesday following a child exploitation investigation.
He was booked into St. Louis County jail at 7:29 p.m. on a felony warrant from another agency. The early March investigation, in part, centered on communications with a minor-aged child in a different state.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Chad, 51, as the Rock Ridge employee connected to the investigation. A press release late Tuesday stated Chad was awaiting extradition to Georgia, stemming from the investigation, where he will face criminal charges.
Rock Ridge Superintendent Noel Schmidt declined comment when reached late Tuesday night.
Chad was hired as Dean of Students in August at a salary of $90,420 after spending 13 years between Rock Ridge and the former Eveleth-Gilbert district, as a math teacher. He was a teacher for 20 years, according to a letter of interest written to the Rock Ridge board when it voted on his new position.
In addition to teaching, Chad coached the One Act Play for both schools and was the assistant spring play director, roles he stepped back from this year. Formerly, he was the JV Speech coach at Eveleth-Gilbert high school.
Iron Range Today Editor’s Note: Jerry Burnes, co-founder of Iron Range Today and author of this story, is the vice-chair/secretary of the Rock Ridge Performing Arts Guild, which helps support the Speech team, One Act and spring plays, but is not directly affiliated with the district. Burnes has not worked directly with Chris Chad while in this role.
Leah Ryan, co-founder of Iron Range Today and editor of this story, is currently the JV Speech coach at Rock Ridge high school. Ryan has never worked directly with Chris Chad while in this role.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.