Helena school board fires middle school paraeducator accused of child sex assault

The Helena Public Schools board of trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday to terminate the employment of a C.R. Anderson Middle School paraeducator who was arrested in March on child sex assault charges. 

James Michael Huber is charged with three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, one count of sexual abuse of children, one count of sexual assault, one count of fabricating or tampering with physical evidence and one count of grooming a child under 12 for sexual offense, all felonies. 

When Huber was arrested in March, Helena Public Schools spokesperson Taylor Lassiter said in an initial statement that Huber was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case. 

Article C.R. Anderson Middle School paraeducator arrested on child sex assault allegations

While the criminal case played out, the district conducted a "thorough" independent Title IX investigation, the district said in a statement. 

At a special board meeting on Tuesday, HPS Superintendent Rex Weltz stated that Huber had waived his right to a hearing, and he recommended that the board move to terminate Huber’s employment, citing Huber's “gross misconduct.” 

“As a result of its Title IX investigation, a determination was made that Mr. Huber engaged in sexual harassment in violation of Title IX and Board Policy against a minor student,” the district said in a statement following the board's vote. 

Huber’s next hearing in the criminal case is scheduled for March 4. He remained in custody at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center as of Tuesday afternoon.