Former student alleges sexual misconduct by another Mercer Island teacher

Moe Clark / Investigate West

October 23, 2025 / 3:43 pm

High school English teacher Curtis Johnston, who abruptly retired in August, is the second teacher accused of sexual misconduct in recent months

In August 2011, Curtis Johnston was called to a meeting at the Mercer Island School District’s administrative office. Rumors had been swirling that the 44-year-old high school English teacher was in a romantic relationship with a teenage student.

The student’s mom had voiced concerns to the principal but feared she lacked evidence. Friends had grown suspicious, as did a church counselor, who reached out directly to the school. The two had been seen leaving in her car after a school charity event. She had become J

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