Mark Morris incident sparks discussion

During the meeting Monday, March 23, the Longview School Board began with Superintendent Dan Cloninger’s report, which outlined a strategic planning process that includes a community vote on a “promise statement,” meant to guide the district’s direction and branding. The process involves input from students, staff and community members, and will also connect to a new district logo created by students.

Upcoming events announced during the March 23 meeting include the Discovery program graduation on Thursday, June 4, and the Mark Morris and R.A. Long High School graduations on Saturday, June 6. Updates have been made to the math curriculum, as elementary schools will have two options under consideration, while high schools will have three. These options are part of an ongoing adoption process that includes committee review and community input before final decisions are made.

Recent incidents involving student-athletes at Mark Morris High School prompted the district to launch an independent investigation into two Mark Morris High School students in Longview, who were arrested and face felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting younger teammates in the locker room between November 2025 and January 2026 . The investigation is ongoing, as the school board works to add needed support to the school system. Efforts include improving athlete supervision, increasing staff training, and developing a reporting system to help students and staff voice concerns. The investigation includes document reviews and interviews with those involved, and limited information has been shared, due to ongoing involvement from law enforcement.

The board noted the public has expressed frustration over a lack of responses, action and accountability regarding the Mark Morris situation. In response, the board emphasized its commitment to student safety and the importance of completing investigations thoroughly. The board plans to strengthen systems based on the findings.

Student representative Paige Wertz highlighted strong performances in winter high school athletics. The Mark Morris boys swim team had one of its best seasons in about 20 years, with multiple state placements and record-breaking performances. Many students also qualified for state solo and ensemble competitions as well. The World Language Showcase is upcoming, and the spring musical is scheduled for Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20.

The budget update for 2026-2027 was described as disappointing overall for K–12 funding, with officials noting state support for education has been declining compared to previous years. On a positive note, the district will be exempt from a new sales tax, saving about $415,000. On a negative note, there is a $450,000 reduction in expected funding, along with a 35 percent cut to transitional kindergarten funding. This is the equivalent to losing about three classrooms. This reduction is part of a larger statewide cut to early learning programs. Bus replacement funding has also been slowed, meaning the district may need to keep older buses in service longer. A budget work session is scheduled for Thursday, April 9.

A new policy on adrenal insufficiency was discussed. This policy is intended to address rare medical conditions such as Addison’s disease. Board members questioned why the policy focuses on a single condition rather than others such as diabetes or allergies. No decision was made on the policy, and Superintendent Cloninger said he “will consult with medical professionals and return with recommendations for approval.”