Before I reviewed the whole MIHS story thoroughly, I would have agreed with you.
Now, my conclusion is, with the exception of superintendent Stenhouse (he may actually have been a fall guy though and not an exception), the whole lefty characterization of MIHS was grossly overstated in the reporters’ articles. A number of the former students made comments in public forums and basically said the commie breeding ground stuff is crap. If you doubt that, have a look at Val Foubert via his memorial web site. He wasn’t a lefty, not even close. “Anarchy Alley” if indeed the term was ever in use back then was only accurate in that Wichterman introduced commie literature and other provocative subjects because he wanted the kids to be aware of it, not because he promoted it as a philosophy to adopt. Remember that he was described as an atheist? The truth is he was a church youth leader for years!
I think there are two relevant facts about this time that need to be considered. First, Mercer Island historically had a very strong Jewish enclave. As David Horowitz and others have shown, there have been large pockets of ethnic Jews who were lead elements in radical America. Second, don't underestimate the role of the Unitarian Church. Its "open-minded" traditions have often served to front leftist ideals and programs.
John Stenhouse
Communist Party
In 1955, the chairman of the Mercer Island school board, John Stenhouse, testified before the House Un-American Activities Subcommittee that he had been a member of the Communist Party USA.
http://keywiki.org/index.php/John_Stenhouse
AND THERE’S NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT VAL FAUBERT HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY MALIGNED.