The Longview School Board has delayed the adoption of new safety and supervision policies, voting down a motion to fast-track the changes before the start of the fall sports season, according to reporting by KLOG.

The proposed updates to the district’s Athletic and Activities policy stem from a July 29 report by attorney Kathleen Haggard of Haggard & Ganson LLP. The district retained Haggard to conduct an independent review of safety protocols after two Mark Morris High School students were arrested in February 2026 and charged with sexually assaulting fellow basketball players in the boys’ locker room during the 2025-26 season. The incident also led to the arrest of Superintendent Karen Cloninger.

Haggard’s recommendations, which form the basis of the proposed updates, include:

• Updated protocols for the supervision of student locker rooms
• A ban on cell phone use in locker rooms and other sensitive areas
• Expanded Title IX training for coaches and staff
• Revisions to the Student Code of Conduct regarding conduct and supervision

According to the Haggard report, while the district already maintained policies against sexual harassment, bullying, and hazing, there were significant gaps in implementation. Notably, investigators found that the district’s Title IX coordinator was not notified after the allegations surfaced. Acting Superintendent Patti Bowen stated the district has begun addressing some recommendations and is developing a full implementation plan.

KLOG reports that the board met on August 10 to hear a first reading of these changes. While the district initially aimed to approve the policies before the school year begins on August 26, KLOG reports that board members Susan Donahue, Barb Westrick, and Jennifer Leach expressed concern that the process was being rushed. A motion to move the policies to a second reading this Friday was defeated, which may result in the new protocols remaining unadopted until after the fall sports and activity season has commenced.

During the meeting, KLOG reports that members of the public voiced frustration over a perceived lack of accountability. One citizen reportedly told the board the process felt like "checking off boxes," while another noted the district has yet to disclose what specific failures occurred or whether any staff in supervisory roles have been held responsible for the incidents at Mark Morris High School.

The board’s cautious approach to these legal definitions mirrors recent administrative delays elsewhere in the city. As previously reported on July 31, 2026, the Longview City Council recently postponed a vote on a child drug endangerment ordinance to allow staff more time to clarify the scope and legal language of that proposal.

The school board is expected to continue reviewing the Haggard recommendations before scheduling a subsequent vote.

Source: Longview School Board Update Policies on Preventing Child Abuse