Bellevue— Earlier today, the Longview Police Department arrested Karen Cloninger, Superintendent of Longview Public Schools, as part of the ongoing investigation related to the reported sexual assault case involving students at Mark Morris High School.
According to the Longview Police Department:
Charges include:
- Tampering with a witness, RCW 9A.72.120 (felony)
- Failure to report RCW 26.44.080 (gross misdemeanor)
- Obstructing a law enforcement officer, RCW 9A.76.020 (gross misdemeanor)
Additional charges are forthcoming for Andrew Schoonover, Executive Director of Student Services for Longview Public Schools, including but not limited to:
- Failure to report RCW 26.44.080 (gross misdemeanor)
- Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant, RCW 9A.76.175 (gross misdemeanor)“This investigation required a significant amount of time, coordination, and evidence review,” says Police Chief Robert Huhta on social media. “We understand the significance this case has in our community and the concern it has created for students, families, staff, and the broader public.”
Huhta adds: “According to the probable cause statement, detectives developed information that Mark Morris High School staff and district leadership were made aware of allegations involving physical and sexual misconduct involving students as early as Jan. 29, 2026. Detectives further allege Superintendent Karen Cloninger was made aware of details involving multiple students, including allegations that one student was forcibly dragged into the Mark Morris High School varsity team room, pinned to the ground, and partially disrobed.
“The probable cause statement further alleges Longview Police Department leadership directly contacted Cloninger on Feb. 5, 2026, after reports began circulating on social media and asked whether law enforcement assistance was needed. Detectives allege law enforcement was informed the matter had been investigated by the Longview School District and handled internally.
“LPD began an official investigation after a parent contacted law enforcement directly on Feb. 9, 2026, to report a sexual assault. During the investigation, detectives also developed probable cause related to mandatory reporting requirements, information provided to law enforcement, and records and communications obtained through multiple search warrants.
“Detectives further allege employees raised internal concerns regarding mandatory reporting obligations and whether law enforcement should be contacted. According to the probable cause statement, investigators developed information alleging employees were directed by Cloninger to handle the matter internally and discourage further discussion regarding the incident.”
“This is the problem with Governor Bob Ferguson’s and Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal’s hysterical rhetoric about K-12 kids being THEIR children, says WAGOP Chairman Rep. Jim Walsh on learning about the charges.
“As I’ve said before, they [Ferguson and ilk] don’t pay any price for their unlawful rhetoric. But school boards and school superintendents do.”
Adds Chairman Walsh: “Karen Cloninger, Superintendent of Longview Public Schools, assumed Governor Ferguson and OSPI’s Chris Reykdal would have her back. They don’t. “School board members and teachers, take note: School kids DON’T belong to you. You serve your students and their families.”
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