EVERETT — The Everett School District has reprimanded a Cascade High School government teacher who is running for state representative over his use of school equipment in the early days of his campaign.
The district, however, cleared Mike Wilson of wrongdoing in an incident in which high school cross country runners leafleted homes of potential voters last month.
Democratic candidate Wilson received a letter of reprimand Monday for “inappropriate use of public facilities for campaign purposes,” once in January and three times in February.
The action followed an internal investigation prompted by release of emails obtained through a public records request by Wilson’s opponent in Tuesday’s election, Republican Mark Harmsworth. Among the documents were two emails to a supporter and a copy of the contract Wilson signed and returned by email to his campaign consultant.
“As soon as it was an issue, I addressed it — I took responsibility for it,” Wilson said Monday. “I’m human, too. I’m glad it’s behind me.”
Wilson and Harmsworth are competing for an open seat in the 44th Legislative District. The winner will earn a two-year term serving residents of Lake Stevens, Mill Creek, Snohomish and parts of Everett and Marysville.
Wilson admitted using the equipment and told district officials he regretted his actions.
Everett schools Superintendent Gary Cohn launched the investigation Oct. 21 after learning that records provided to Harmsworth’s campaign revealed Wilson might have used a school computer and a copier-scanner. School district policy bars using equipment for political purposes.
State election law also prohibits candidates from using public resources to assist in their campaigns. That means Wilson could face punishment from the state Public Disclosure Commission.
No formal complaint to the state agency has been filed against Wilson, and the district had not sent its investigation to the agency, a commission spokeswoman said Monday.
“I’m expecting that someone will file a complaint about it,” said Lori Anderson. “We’re waiting to see if that happens before we decide whether to do our own investigation.”
Meanwhile, a separate probe concluded that Wilson did nothing wrong when cross country runners from Cascade and Jackson high schools distributed his campaign material on Oct. 15.
Longtime Cascade High School cross country coach Steve Bertrand and district Athletic Director Robert Polk, however, were reprimanded for actions that led students to take part in the political activity in lieu of practice, according to results of the investigation, released Friday.
Cohn ordered a review after receiving a complaint from a parent on Oct. 16. It was conducted by Catherine Matthews, the district’s director of curriculum and assessment.
She learned that students were given maps of neighborhoods and houses to visit. They also were provided a script to use when speaking with residents.
“Students were expected to knock on doors, share information about Wilson, ask for the resident’s support for Wilson and responses,” she wrote in the final report.
Bertrand acknowledged arranging the event, which involved runners from Jackson in the Everett district and Glacier Peak High School in the Snohomish School District.
Wilson told Matthews that he repeatedly said publicly that he had no role in organizing the runners.
“I’m glad the district did as quick a job as they did,” Wilson said. “I’m real glad the volunteer issue was cleared up.”
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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