High School Sex Assault Investigation Leads to Additional Staff Leaves in SW Washington
Police say she directed staff to handle sexual assault allegations internally and discourage discussion, leading to charges of witness tampering and failing to report.
- On Thursday, Longview Public Schools Superintendent Karen Cloninger was arrested following an investigation into sexual assault allegations at Mark Morris High School, facing one felony charge of witness tampering and two gross misdemeanors.
- District leadership learned of physical and sexual misconduct allegations as early as January 29, 2026, though investigators allege Cloninger directed employees to handle the matter internally and discourage reporting.
- Police records describe a search of Cloninger's personal cellphone, revealing messages about the case were deleted, while Andrew Schoonover, executive director of student services, faces forthcoming charges.
- A judge set Cloninger's bail at $5,000 on Friday, ordering her to refrain from contacting witnesses; Acting Superintendent Patti Bowen was appointed to lead the district.
- Sen. John Braun and Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez cited the investigation while discussing the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, which requires explicit parental consent for student pronoun or name changes.
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12 Articles
The Center Square
Longview superintendent in court on obstruction charges in school sex assault case
(The Center Square) - Longview School District Superintendent Karen Cloninger made an initial court appearance Friday following Thursday’s arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation involving alleged sexual assaults at
Longview superintendent charged with obstructing sexual assault case used to work in Spokane County school districts
LONGVIEW, Wash - A western Washington school superintendent charged with obstructing a sexual assault investigation also worked in two Spokane County school districts. Longview Police arrested Karen Cloninger Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation involving sexual assaults at Mark Morris High School. Two students have been arrested, accused of sexually assaulting fellow students in
Longview, WA superintendent arrested on obstruction charges for high school sexual assault investigation
Longview Schools Superintendent Karen Cloninger was arrested Thursday morning on charges related to a student sexual assault investigation at Mark Morris High School.
Western Washington Superintendent Charged in Alleged Cover-Up of Student Assault Investigation
LONGVIEW, WA – Longview School District Superintendent Karen Cloninger made an initial court appearance Friday following Thursday’s arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation involving alleged sexual assaults at Mark Morris High School. Two students are accused of sexually assaulting fellow students in the varsity basketball locker room earlier this year. Cloninger is charged with tampering with a witness, failure to report and obstructi…
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