ARLINGTON — The Highland Christian School Board was scheduled to meet with families Thursday night to discuss the controversy surrounding principal Mark Evan Brown, who was fired last week after being charged with third-degree child rape.
The meeting was open to faculty and families of current and prospective students. A staff member Thursday said the media would not be allowed to attend the meeting.
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.
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 Thursday’s meeting, parents were expected to be able to voice their concerns. The board also planned to share its future plans.
The board hired a Christian counselor to speak with families and students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and today. Each student or family may spend up to 25 minutes with the counselor.
About 240 students attend Highland Christian School, kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Please be assured that we share in your pain and grief over this situation,” the board stated in its letter.
Herald Writer Diana Hefley contributed to this story.
Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
