Superintendent addresses allegations against former coach

Published 9:14 am Monday, March 23, 2026

Mercer Island School District (MISD) Superintendent Fred Rundle informed district families and staff in a March 22 letter that the Mercer Island Football Club (MIFC) contacted him two days prior regarding allegations that one of their coaches may have accessed or was in possession of child pornography.

The letter noted that the report was made to law enforcement and the man is a former Mercer Island High School (MIHS) boys and girls soccer coach, former MIHS paraeducator and has served sporadically as a district substitute paraeducator this year. He will not be allowed to substitute or volunteer in the district, Rundle stated.

“In a follow-up conversation on Saturday, March 21, MIFC indicated that additional concerns had been reported involving possible inappropriate conduct involving a minor. Law enforcement has not confirmed the scope of the investigation, but I believe it is important to share this information with our community,” Rundle said.

Rundle said the district has no information to suggest the alleged misconduct involves district students or school programs.

The district is also aware that the man has been a coach with the Bellevue United Football Club (BUFC), which has also made a report to law enforcement along with the district’s and MIFC’s own reports. Presently, Rundle also noted that there has been no indication that any misconduct occurred while the man was working as a MIFC or BUFC coach.

“While this matter remains under active investigation, please know that the district takes its reporting obligations seriously. Consistent with previous actions taken during my tenure as superintendent, when we become aware of concerns involving the welfare of children, we act in accordance with our policies and legal requirements,” Rundle said.

The coach has not been listed in any jail logs and no charges have been filed as of press time.