(The Center Square) – Police in Longview on Thursday arrested the Superintendent of Longview Public Schools as part of an ongoing investigation related to the reported sexual assault case involving students at Mark Morris High School.
According to a Facebook post from Longview PD, charges against Superintendent Karen Cloninger include:
• Tampering with a witness, RCW 9A.72.120 (felony)
• Failure to report, RCW 26.44.080 (gross misdemeanor)
• Obstructing a law enforcement officer, RCW 9A.76.020 (gross misdemeanor)
Police said additional charges are forthcoming for Andrew Schoonover, the district’s executive director of student services. Those charges include failure to report and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.
“This investigation required a significant amount of time, coordination, and evidence review,” Police Chief Robert Huhta said in the post. “We understand the significance this case has in our community and the concern it has created for students, families, staff, and the broader public.”
According to a probable cause statement, detectives learned Mark Morris High School staff and district leaders knew about allegations of physical and sexual misconduct involving students as early as Jan. 29.
Investigators allege Cloninger learned details involving multiple students, including allegations that one student was forcibly dragged into the school’s varsity team room, pinned to the ground and partially undressed.
The probable cause statement alleges Longview police contacted Cloninger on Feb. 5 after reports circulated on social media and asked her whether law enforcement assistance was needed.
Detectives said they were told the district had conducted its own investigation and was handling the matter internally.
Police opened a formal investigation Feb. 9 after a parent contacted law enforcement directly to report a sexual assault.
Detectives said the investigation uncovered concerns about mandatory reporting requirements, statements made to police, and records and communications obtained through multiple search warrants.
Investigators also allege employees questioned whether law enforcement should be contacted and that Cloninger directed staff to handle the matter internally and discourage further discussion.
Two members of the basketball team were arrested in February at the high school. The teens, both minors, face multiple charges, including second-degree rape, with trial set for July.
The Center Square reached out to the Longview School Board for comment on the superintendent’s arrest but received no response. Board members have been under increasing public pressure as the investigation has unfolded, yet extended Cloninger’s contract last month.
