7/31/08

Principal of Arlington school fired amid allegations of sexual misconduct

by Beckye Randall

As more damaging information was made public regarding the alleged actions of a principal at Arlington’s Highland Christian School, the school’s Board of Directors acted on Friday, July 25, to terminate Mark Evan Brown.

Brown, 37, had been placed on administrative leave after he was charged with third degree child rape, based on allegations made by a 14-year-old student.

The administrator, who had been an employee of the local Christian school for three years, is accused of helping the student run away from her home and setting up temporary living quarters for her at the school. According to detectives, Brown and the girl may have exchanged as many as 700 telephone calls and text messages.

The former principal pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $100,000 bond.

Before coming to Highland Christian School, Brown was a wrestling coach at Concrete High School in Skagit County. He was released from his coaching contract in 2004 following allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with several female students.

The Skagit County allegations were reported to officials at the state Department of Social and Health Services, who forwarded the matter to the Skagit County Sheriff's Office, but no charges were filed. In light of the recent incident, Snohomish County sheriff's detectives are reviewing those allegations.

Casey West, Brown’s ex-wife, was only 14 when she began dating the 26-year-old man. West said one reason for the couple’s 2004 divorce was her discovery of inappropriate text messages to Brown from a cheerleader at Concrete High School.

State law requires the private school to do background checks on potential employees but, according to a spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol, information about a criminal investigation with no conviction, such as the case in Concrete, is not included in the report provided to schools.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office was notified of the charges but, since the state doesn’t regulate private schools, it will not be involved in the investigation. Private school teachers are not required to be state-certificated.

In a letter to families of students at the school, Highland’s board focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of its students. The school will provide counseling services for students, and directors plan to announce interim leadership for the school within the next few days.

About 240 students in grades kindergarten through 12 attend Highland Christian School, located at 135 South French St. in Arlington. HCS was established in 1990 as Master’s Touch Christian School and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.