Residents and officials in Neepawa reacted Thursday to news a 39-year-old woman, who was formerly a teacher, is facing charges for child exploitation.

Officers launched an investigation on Sept. 7 after a complaint was filed over an alleged relationship between a female teacher and a 17-year-old student reported to have occurred between June and August 2011, said RCMP.

The female suspect was arrested on Sept. 9.

The Beautiful Plains School Division received a call earlier this month.

"The allegations we received were about an inappropriate relationship between a staff member and a student. Giving more details than that - I can't do that at this time," said Jason Young, superintendent with the school division.

School officials immediately launched their own investigation. The accused was placed on leave, but is now no longer employed by the division.

"We have high expectations of our staff. We hire professionals. You know, this is a rare occurrence for us - it's an unfortunate situation," said Young.

The RCMP said they laid charges of child exploitation in this case because the accused was in a position of trust and because the teen is a minor.

The school's superintendent said the teacher has taught at several different schools within the division over the past eight years.

But the division says there have been no other issues.

"This staff member was in good standing with us. It came as a surprise," said Young.

People who live in the Neepawa area are surprised as well.

"It completely concerns me. What happens if this woman can go and get in another school district? It kind of freaks me out," said Meagan Bruyere from Neepawa.

Others, however, voiced different sentiments.

"I don't think it's an issue of trust at all. They know what they're doing at (age) 17," said Linda Desjardins, who lives near Neepawa.

School officials said the teen no longer goes to school in Neepawa or the surrounding area.

The name of the accused, who faces two counts of child exploitation, is not being released in order to protect the identity of the youth, said RCMP.

The accused has a court date slated for November and has been released on conditions, including a requirement not to have any contact with the youth.

- with a report from CTV's Josh Crabb