Superintendent Messages Archive

We know our community has ongoing questions and concerns regarding the District’s review of sexual misconduct allegations involving a former staff member, Curtis Johnston, and a former student who graduated from Mercer Island High School in 2011.

As we begin the new year, it is easy to focus on the perceived and very real challenges facing our district, our community, our state, and our country. Yet as we surge into 2026, we also have much to celebrate and much to be proud of in our schools.

Alleged and confirmed cases of student sexual assault/misconduct by former staff members continue to challenge us at the personal, system, and community levels.

In a news article published today, we learned of an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a former Mercer Island High School teacher, Curtis Johnston, and a female student who graduated in 2011.

The energy and excitement our students and staff brought today electrified the schools.

Final preparations for the 2025-2026 school year are earnestly underway. While we focus on the year ahead, we will continue to confront the sexual misconduct of a former staff member and use it to improve.

This is not a message I ever wanted to write, and I know it is not one any community wants to receive. I am writing to address a serious matter involving a former student and a former Mercer Island High School (MIHS) teacher, Mr. Chris Twombley.

A year ago today, we launched MI Phone-Free Schools to foster the learning environments we desire and promote healthy social and emotional development for our students.

McREL’s framework guides the way I try to prioritize my time, set goals, and lead. These five lenses also serve as a useful reflection tool, which I use to frame both successes and shortcomings over the last three years.