A 2021 law expanded Washington’s power to decertify police officers. Records show cops still avoid consequences
An InvestigateWest review shows how Washington police agencies keep hiring cops accused of serious misconduct
Education
Washington schools chief seeks policy changes after teacher sexual misconduct reporting
The changes, which would expand the state’s investigatory abilities, still need approval from the governor-appointed Professional Educator Standards Board
Before a student alleged sexual assault, Edmonds schools received years of warnings about her teacher
Records show administrators left a teacher in an elementary school classroom despite repeated concerns about his inappropriate behavior with students
Mercer Island superintendent knew of teacher sexual misconduct allegations despite public statements
Curtis Johnston was allowed to voluntarily surrender his teaching license after the superintendent told a state investigator that no investigations existed, records show
Shoreline Community College quietly updates hiring rules after sexual misconduct vetting failure
The president of the college said in an email that they are updating their policies following an investigation into former Everett high school teacher
These reforms could improve accountability for Washington teachers accused of sexual misconduct, experts say
Washington was the first to enact “Don’t Pass the Trash” legislation two decades ago
An Everett teacher resigned over a relationship with a student. Shoreline Community College hired him months later.
Loopholes and failed investigations allowed a former Henry M. Jackson High School teacher to skirt accountability
Former student files $13.4 million claim against Mercer Island School District over alleged teacher sexual abuse
School leaders received numerous reports that former high school English teacher Curtis Johnston was “dating” a student but failed to intervene, complaint says
These Washington educators have lost or surrendered their teaching license for alleged misconduct
A searchable teacher misconduct database compiled by InvestigateWest fills gaps in the state’s public-facing records
WA agency disciplined 160 teachers for sexual misconduct since 2015. Many cases are shielded from the public
An InvestigateWest analysis of the state’s educator misconduct database shows gaps allowing teachers to escape scrutiny
Investigation opened into former Mercer Island High School teacher accused of sexual misconduct
A different teacher has also been put on paid leave for potentially "failing to report"
‘I want people to know he’s done this’: Student alleges sexual misconduct by another Mercer Island teacher
High school English teacher Curtis Johnston, who abruptly retired in August, is the second teacher accused of sexual misconduct in recent months
Mercer Island schools assessing sexual abuse protocols after outcry
Superintendent to “analyze current practices” and “make improvements” for student safety following InvestigateWest and Mercer Island Reporter story