Public commenters press district on student-transport safety and reported assault allegations
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Summary
During public comment Longview residents reported a shuttle incident in which a student was left at curb and described alleged sexual-assault reports involving high‑school athletes; the board said staff would follow up and collect contact information.
Several members of the Longview community used the Feb. 9 public‑comment period to press the district for follow-up on student safety and alleged misconduct.
Wendy Kosloski asked whether a Jan. 30 demonstration against ICE at the Civic Center was sanctioned or occurred during class hours and whether school materials were used; the board asked her to leave contact information so staff could follow up outside the meeting. Kosloski said some witnesses believed it occurred during school time.
Harold Garn described a separate transportation incident in which his granddaughter — returning from music lessons at Mark Morris — was left at the curb after a parking‑sticker issue. Garn said his daughter complained to the transportation manager, who he said hung up; he asked for corrective action and possibly counseling or an apology for the student. The board said staff would follow up after Garn provided contact information.
Two speakers raised allegations related to student sexual‑assault reports. Michelle Horn said the district seemed to expect more from the freshman student than from the school’s adult driver charged with student safety and urged the district to improve its response. A Mark Morris High School student, Spencer Werby, said reports of an alleged sexual assault by basketball team members frightened him and asked for reassurance or action. Werby’s sister, who identified herself as Alika Wernby, said she had heard first‑ and second‑hand accounts and urged systemic change.
What the board said: Board leadership and staff said the meeting is not the forum for on-the-spot investigative responses and asked commenters to provide contact information so administrators can follow up. The transcript shows no immediate investigatory actions or disciplinary outcomes discussed during the meeting; staff committed to follow-up contact with the individuals who provided information.
Why it matters: Public allegations of student‑safety incidents and of insufficient response by staff or contractors raise substantive district accountability questions. Commenters requested corrective actions, contact and reassurance; board members acknowledged those concerns and promised follow-up outside the meeting.