Hudson elementary school teacher on leave after arrest for ‘inappropriate conduct’ with child

An elementary teacher in Hudson is on administrative leave after allegations of “inappropriate conduct” with a child.

24-year-old Madison Bergmann, a fifth-grade teacher at River Crest Elementary School, is currently in custody at St. Croix County Jail. She was arrested on Wednesday, according to St. Croix County officials, and court records show she’s now charged with first-degree child sexual assault.

Bergmann, who lives in St. Paul, is on leave and barred from contacting students, staff and parents, in addition to not being allowed on Hudson School District property, according to a message sent to families by the district on Wednesday.

In that message, a spokesperson for the district said, in part, “Learning about a school staff member and alleged inappropriate conduct that breaches trust is deeply troubling for all of us. We understand the gravity of this situation and are committed to providing the necessary support for any child who may be impacted. We kindly request the school community to respect the privacy of Hudson students and their families and refrain from spreading rumors or speculation. The School District counseling staff are available to help any child or staff who may be experiencing difficulties with this news.”

Charging documents indicate that the child and Bergmann talked and texted each other “almost daily.” The child told investigators they had kissed several times and talked about having sex. Bergmann declined to talk to police about her messages with the victim.

The victim’s mother first caught the child talking with Bergmann on Monday and, after taking other measures, the child’s mother and father came to River Crest Elementary and reported what they’d found on the child’s phone on Wednesday morning.

The district’s investigation into Bergmann is open and ongoing. Officials say they contacted law enforcement when they learned of Bergmann’s alleged conduct.