School board news: Debate over teacher case, public input and more
Published 3:15 pm Thursday, September 4, 2025
At its Aug. 28 meeting, the Mercer Island School Board clashed over how to address allegations against former high school teacher Chris Twombley, with Director Dan Glowitz calling for the public release of an internal investigation while others defended the district’s handling of the case.
The exchange came at the end of a meeting that covered upcoming district business. The board approved canceling its Sept. 25 meeting due to conflicts with High School Curriculum Night and Rosh Hashanah, and budget reports showed a $3.6 million fund balance.
Reading a prepared statement, Director Glowitz accused the district leadership’s handling of the Twombley case and demanded reforms within 30 days or leadership step aside. His proposals included a public Q&A session, release of the district’s July 2024 internal investigation report, and adoption of a 72-hour notification rule for suspected staff sexual misconduct.
“Our students’ safety cannot rest on hesitation or vague promises. Families deserve clear, measurable actions,” he said.
Director Deborah Lurie responded to Glowitz’s allegations, saying, “you presented tremendous misinformation.” She defended the district’s handling, saying she “could not be prouder of the work that was done.” She also accused Glowitz of violating executive session confidentiality and criticized media reporting for reaching out to the victim, saying, “so this claim that her identity was protected is a lie.”
Student representative Lucy Dorer emphasized respecting the victim’s wish for privacy and cautioned against politicizing the issue: “I think political fighting about this doesn’t really make anyone safer,” she said.
Director Jody Lee noted that Glowitz’s reports reflect his individual opinions, not the board’s collective stance. She also added, “I support the actions the district has taken.”
Community members share personal experiences
Todd White, former school board candidate and current Rotary president with two children in MISD, spoke publicly for the first time about being a victim of abuse at Ohio State University. Recalling how the university didn’t act despite knowing hundreds of student athletes endured the abuse for years, saying, “the university knew about it, they didn’t do anything to stop it.” He also shared that other families he’s spoken to “want some assurances this is not happening today, it’s not happening in the future.” He concluded, “I’m here to help, I’m not here to accuse.”
Mercer Island Reporter guest columnist and former Seattle Times editorial writer John Hamer shared his sister’s abuse by her high school teacher and the lifelong impact it had on her.
“Our children deserve complete protection from predators,” he told the board. He also praised the press for informing the community, “sunlight is the best disinfectant. Full disclosure is mandatory. Transparency, accountability, and openness must prevail,” Hamer concluded.
PTA Council President Sarah Karim thanked the district staff for “making sure our students feel safe, welcomed, and excited” at the start of the year. She highlighted a partnership between MISD, the City of Mercer Island, and the Friends of Dragon Park on the redesign of Deane’s Children’s Park playground. She praised principals and teachers who incorporated the project into the classroom lessons, helping gather feedback from 1,200 students. She believes this collaboration “is exactly what makes Mercer Island special” and concluded, “Let’s do more of this.”
Community survey and recognition
A community survey will be conducted in September on district performance, funding priorities, and communication preferences. Four hundred residents will be surveyed through phone calls, texts and the web.
MIHS French teacher Sabine Friedman, IMS associate principal Katie Gallagher, and IMS registrar Marcy Berejka were recognized for launching a before-school French language program for 5th- to 8th-graders who had previous exposure to the French language.
The rest of the meeting can be found on the district’s news website.
Linnea Augustine is a freelance journalist for the Mercer Island Reporter, a longtime resident, longtime supporter of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, community volunteer, and Rotary Club member.
