Prince George secondary school teacher Michael Gardiner has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

The superintendent of School District 57 confirmed he was shocked to hear the 60-year-old teacher is facing child pornography charges.

"S.D. 57, staff and the Board of education consider this to be a grave matter," said Superintendent Brian Pepper.

"For us, our major concern, of course, is student safety. That really is the focus of our work in the early stages. 

Gardiner has worked in the secondary school for a number of years, but has not been in the classroom since last Thursday, the day before charges were laid, said Pepper.

"I can with confidence indicate that the students at S.D. 57 are safe and the teacher is not at work," said Pepper

Gardiner is scheduled to appear in Prince George provincial court on April 1.