In a poignant letter to the editor, a parent from Snohomish articulates their deep concern over the recent arrest of a vice principal at Centennial Middle School for child rape, an incident that their son learned about through a group text rather than a formal announcement from the school. The author expresses disbelief and disappointment that neither the school nor the district communicated this critical information directly to parents and students. They argue that such negligence is unacceptable and contributes to a culture of fear and confusion among students. The parent insists that rather than being asked to remain silent, students should be empowered to discuss these serious issues with trusted adults and provided with appropriate resources to cope with their feelings. They further emphasize that a lack of transparency from the school can create a perception that it is protecting individuals accused of serious crimes.

Citing other districts that have successfully issued statements regarding staff on leave, the author implores the Snohomish School District to adopt a similar approach. The letter serves as a call to action for the district to prioritize open communication and the safety of its students, advocating for a system where children are not left to navigate disturbing news on their own.