Retired trooper alleges past misconduct at Carmichael Middle School; board offers to follow up privately

During public comment at the Feb. 24 meeting, Mike Shea, a retired Washington state trooper, said he investigated an incident around 2002'2003 at Carmichael Middle School in which he alleged a principal and a staff member were witnessed engaging in sexual conduct on school grounds, and that a top administrator later offered him $30,000 in cash to 'go away.'

Shea said he hired an attorney at the time to identify the student who reported the incident and that he was placed on administrative leave by the district after raising concerns. He said he can name individuals but declined to do so during the public comment session.

Acting President Janisins thanked Shea for speaking and said the board would hear the remainder of the meeting and asked if Shea would share details afterwards with district HR or a specified board member. "I'd like to hear the end of this, but I'd like to hear it after the board meeting," Janisins said, and offered the board's contact information so Shea could follow up.

The board did not investigate or take formal action during the meeting. District staff invited the commenter to meet with HR or the appropriate administrator to provide specifics so the district can evaluate whether there are records or investigative steps to take now. The speaker characterized the events as occurring in 2002'2003 and said he had retained an attorney when he pursued the matter previously.

Because the allegations involve named (but not publicly identified) individuals and events from two decades ago, the claims are presented here as allegations. The district did not offer factual confirmation during the public meeting; any records or follow-up steps described by district staff were to occur outside the public session.