Former Mercer Island Teacher Suspended Following Theft Allegations
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has suspended the teaching certificate of a former Mercer Island School District educator following an investigation into the theft of money from colleagues.
Sophia Johnston, who served as a Special Education teacher at Lakeridge Elementary School, agreed to a suspension of her Washington Education Certificate for a minimum of 90 days. The suspension stems from allegations that Johnston engaged in unprofessional conduct involving the theft of cash from other staff members.
According to the Agreed Order of Suspension signed on January 9, 2026, Johnston took over $1,200 from approximately ten colleagues without their knowledge or permission between March 1, 2023, and December 14, 2023. The findings of fact state that Johnston would enter unattended classrooms to remove cash from the personal belongings of her coworkers.
The incidents came to light in late 2023. On December 13, 2023, Johnston admitted to two staff members that she had taken money from them and was subsequently placed on administrative leave.
Following these admissions, Johnston made efforts toward restitution, bringing $439 to the school on December 15, 2023, and electronically sending $100 to a staff member shortly thereafter. She officially resigned from her position with the Mercer Island School District on February 5, 2024.
In an interview with the Office of Professional Practices in September 2025, Johnston stated she had been in therapy since leaving the district to address how she handles emotions, stressors, and financial decisions.
OSPI determined that Johnston’s actions constituted a lack of “good moral character or personal fitness” required of certified educators. Under the terms of the order, Johnston is barred from requesting reinstatement of her certificate for at least 90 days.
To regain her certification, Johnston must submit a new application, undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the FBI and Washington State Patrol, and prove she has no new criminal convictions. She is also required to assume all costs associated with complying with the order.
A copy of the Agreed Order of Suspension is available here.