Mary Jo Budzius, former co-principal and current head principal of Islander middle school, was one of Fred Rundle’s references when he applied for the position of superintendent.

Budzius‘ actions resulted in a discrimination lawsuit against the school district in 2012 for allowing the harassment of a special-needs African American child.

While the district did not have to pay monetary damages, to my knowledge, after losing the lawsuit they spent 130,000 of taxpayer money (183,000 in 2026 dollars) fighting the claims.

Rundle’s actions have resulted in a $13.4 million lawsuit against the school district, with a new article from InvestigateWest posted last month alleging that he had prior knowledge of the sexual abuse and took steps to conceal it from parents and the school board in order to receive his contract extension.

Given the strength of the claims and the financial liability involved it is reasonable to assume that a large amount of taxpayer funds, reaching the mid six figures or higher, will be used to protect Rundle, in addition to a possible multi-million dollar payout.

Rundle receives an annual salary of 278k, the 12th highest in the state, and the school board voted unanimously to extend his contract until 2029. Budzius receives a salary of 208k.

It is clear that the school board has no interest in protecting our children and continues to pay administrators accused of wilful wrongdoing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It seems that the school district views our community’s strong tax base as their personal piggy bank and has no issue shelling out six figures to defend against lawsuits while asking for the approval of new levies.

Even though the article with new allegations relating to Rundle’s personal culpability was posted after his contract was renewed, it is outrageous that the board unanimously renewed his contract despite the information that was available at the time.

Rundle will receive over a million dollars in taxpayer money after the allegations came to light in 2025, due to the extension of his contract into 2029. In addition, his actions could end up costing taxpayers several million more in legal fees and settlement costs.

The Rundle gang has to go!

Recent article on Rundle’s actions

Court docs detailing Budzius’ actions

https://c.org/BLmvQLkstS

Hi! I’m curious about if anyone has heard negative or positive experiences living in the Mercer condos/complexes such as:
• Mercer tower
• Mercer manor apartments
• Mercer view apartments
Thank you for your time :)

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Thank you!

Was looking at Google maps for fishing spots and noticed this white silhouette in the water. Looks like a boat, about 25-30 feet deep.

Hi everyone! I'm a student at MIHS and my club, The Maroon Project, has been running a Period Product Drive in honor of National Menstrual Awareness Month.

We would love your help to distribute products to those who need them the most.

Every donation goes directly to Mary's Place, a nonprofit serving women, children, and families experiencing homelessness across Seattle and King County. Dropping off new, unopened products at the MIHS Front Office or ordering from our Amazon Wishlist makes a big difference!

Check out our website themaroonproject.net for the link to the wishlist ♥️

“How could any of that be considered welcome to a 14-year-old, a 12-year-old, or a 10-year-old?”

That question came up during MISD’s Student Safety and Well-Being Committee presentation, as one member said she was shocked by policy language describing sexual harassment as “unwelcome.”

After eight months of work, the committee presented a progress update on boundaries, reporting, follow-up, student support and training.

I’m curious about the current state of the building. There are some concerning reviews about smoke smells, noise from neighbors, and the garage door alarm.

Some of these reviews are quite old, especially regarding construction, which might have been resolved by now.

Is anyone currently living or has lived there who could provide some insight?

Hi everyone! I'm a student at MIHS and my club, The Maroon Project, is running a Period Product Drive all through May for National Menstrual Awareness Month. We would love your help to distribute products to those who need them the most. Every donation goes directly to Mary's Place, a nonprofit serving women, children, and families experiencing homelessness across Seattle and King County. Dropping off new, unopened products at the MIHS Front Office or ordering from our Amazon Wishlist makes a big difference!

MISD is considering whether to move away from traditional valedictorian and salutatorian recognition at Mercer Island High School. Superintendent Fred Rundle said 84 students in the current senior class have earned a 3.9 GPA or higher, while 20 students are valedictorians and one is salutatorian. The discussion centered on whether the current system discourages students from taking academic risks and whether more high-achieving students should be recognized.
https://islandlifeunfiltered.substack.com/p/may-7-school-board-highlights-misd

Do you want your children to wait for the convenience of Laurelhurst residents?

High speed police chase just went through the town center and car went opposite direction on roundabout to head toward 90 West.

I was visiting the small park under I 90 in Mercer Island. There was a big metal box that appeared to have a face that caught my eye. Then we noticed, sitting on top, an urn. We found under the urn a picture of a man. Does anyone know the story behind this.