Rush City teacher is charged with sexual assault of student

Last update: January 19, 2008 - 11:51 PM

A social studies teacher and wrestling coach at Rush City High School has been arrested after allegations of sexual misconduct with a student.

Timothy Alan Bowland, 39, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual assault. He was taken to the Chisago County jail and has been placed on paid administrative leave, Rush City schools Superintendent Vernon Koepp said.

The allegations involving a 17-year-old female student were reported Thursday, the Chisago County Sheriff's Office said, and Bowland was arrested at the school about 1 p.m. Friday, shortly after classes were dismissed.

"We're a small enough community where the students and staff are known by just about everybody," Koepp said. "This is a challenging situation for our staff and students. We take very seriously any allegation or complaint and we also place a high priority on the safety and privacy of our students and staff."

Bowland is in his fourth year at the school, Koepp said.

GAIL ROSENBLUM