Arlington school’s board to meet with families about principal

Published 3:29 pm Thursday, July 31, 2008

The Highland Christian School Board plans to meet with families tonight to discuss the controversy surrounding principal Mark Evan Brown, who was fired last week after being charged with third-degree child rape.

The 7 p.m. meeting is open to faculty and families of current and future students.

In a letter posted on the private Arlington school’s Web site, the school board said it met with staff Monday evening to respond to their questions and concerns. The staff now stands behind the board, the letter states.

“Even though our hearts are hurting and our thoughts may be divided, we can all join together before God, declaring our need for Him and our love for one another,” the board wrote in the letter.

A staff member called Thursday said the media would not be allowed in the meeting.

Brown, 37, is accused of encouraging a 14-year-old student to run away from home and offering her a place to stay at the school. The girl told detectives Brown had sexual contact with her at the school in a room he set up with a hide-a-bed and a television, according to court documents.

Detectives say Brown and the girl exchanged nearly 700 text messages and phone calls.

Brown pleaded not guilty to the rape charge July 23 during a Snohomish County Superior Court hearing. He later was released from jail after posting $100,000 bond.

During tonight’s meeting, parents are invited to voice their concerns. The board also plans to share its future plans. The meeting will be held in the school’s auditorium.

The board hired a Christian counselor to speak with families and students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Friday. Each student or family may spend up to 25 minutes with the counselor.

“Please be assured that we share in your pain and grief over this situation,” the board stated in its letter.