Important Community Message Regarding Substitute Paraprofessional and Former MIHS Soccer Coach

Dear Mercer Island School District Families and Staff,

I write to share that on Friday, March 20, the Mercer Island Football Club (MIFC/Soccer) contacted me regarding allegations about one of their coaches, Josh Krafsky. Mr. Krafsky is a former MIHS boys and girls soccer coach, former MIHS paraeducator and has served sporadically as a District substitute paraeducator this year. The District was informed that a report had been made to law enforcement alleging that Mr. Krafsky may have accessed or was in possession of child pornography. In a follow-up conversation on Saturday, March 21, MIFC indicated that additional concerns had been reported involving possible inappropriate conduct involving a minor. Law enforcement has not confirmed the scope of the investigation, but I believe it is important to share this information with our community.

The District has no information to suggest the alleged misconduct involves District students or school programs. Mr. Krafsky, who was only serving as an occasional substitute this year, will not be allowed to substitute or volunteer in MISD.

In addition to coaching with MIFC, the District is aware that this individual has been a coach in the Bellevue United Football Club (BUFC). The District made its own reports to law enforcement to go along with ones made by MIFC and BUFC. The two football clubs and MISD are committed to supporting the investigation of Mr. Krafsky as appropriate. At this time, there has been no indication that any misconduct occurred while Mr. Krafsky was working in his capacity as a coach or paraeducator for the District or as a coach for MIFC or BUFC.

While this matter remains under active investigation, please know that the District takes its reporting obligations seriously. Consistent with previous actions taken during my tenure as Superintendent, when we become aware of concerns involving the welfare of children, we act in accordance with our policies and legal requirements.

Before moving on, I want to express my appreciation for our MIFC and BUFC community partners who reached out in such a timely manner. They are as committed as we are to the safety of students. In our MISD Student Safety and Well-Being Committee work, a point of emphasis has been on coordinating with community partners.

I understand that news of this nature can raise concern and a range of emotions for students, staff, and families. Frankly, I am incensed and frustrated to have learned of another allegation of this nature involving an adult working with kids. This is the antithesis of everything our District and I stand for. Our work in our schools, across the District, and in conjunction with Praesidium is proving both necessary and ongoing. It is the right work on behalf of our children.

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) counselors are available in all of our schools for students who may wish to speak with someone or need additional support regarding this or any matter. MIYFS can also be reached using the following number: (206) 275-7611. 

I encourage families to speak with their children about personal safety and to remind them to seek out a trusted adult if they have concerns. Families seeking guidance on how to speak with children about personal safety and boundaries may find resources through:

• Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS)
• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC)
• Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center
• RAINN 
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

If you believe you have information that may be relevant, we encourage you to contact local law enforcement or the District. Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are strictly prohibited in our District. To learn more about or professional boundaries policy and procedure or how to report concerns of sexual harassment or misconduct, please visit our website. 

We will continue to follow the guidance of law enforcement and will share additional information if and when it becomes appropriate to do so. Thank you for your care and partnership in maintaining a safe and supportive community.

Sincerely, 

Fred Rundle