Q&A: Moses Lake School Board Position 5

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Alana DeGooyer and Kirryn Jensen are running for one of three open seats on the Moses Lake School Board. 

The Columbia Basin Herald submitted three questions to each candidate simultaneously, with set word count limits and an identical deadline to return their responses. Where needed the answers have been trimmed to fit within the word limits set by the CBH in order to ensure fairness to both candidates. The CBH encourages voters to reach out to the candidates if they want to discuss the issues below in more detail.

Responses are in alphabetical order according to candidate last names.

November 7 is Election Day and ballots have been mailed to voters in the area.

What prompted you to run for the school board?

DeGooyer: I have been serving on the Moses Lake School District Board for a little over two years, as an appointed board member. I have enjoyed serving with the students, parents, families, teachers, staff, and administration so much. I believe in a strong and successful public school system. Having four children in the district, I am excited to continue to serve on the board to advocate for them, and for all of the students and families in our community.

Jensen: As a mom of 3 kids, I decided to run for school board for several reasons. I am very involved with my kids' various youth programs in Grant County. Many of the parents I know personally have informed me of some issues with IEP and 504 programs, and I started to ask more questions. Hearing about the current issues the children face every day, I feel the current board is lacking in compassion, understanding, and the will to make the hard decisions needed to better our district. I am a strong advocate for parents’ rights and believe the only way to solve these tough issues is with parental involvement. Parents know their children best, not the school or the state.

What are the three most important issues you see facing the Moses Lake School District?

DeGooyer: 1. Learning loss, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including social and emotional issues that were brought on because of learning loss.

2. Facilities needing repair, including extensive maintenance.  

3. The fact that at some point the Moses Lake community will need to pass another bond.  With the last bond that was passed, and issues surrounding it, putting a bond out to the community might be difficult, but necessary, as our community continues to grow, and as we continue to make quality education a top priority for students in Moses Lake.  

Jensen: The three most important issues I believe need to be addressed immediately are bullying, IEP and 504 programs, and school safety. Over this last year studying and participating in different youth programs, I believe I have the tools needed to address these three problems. I have been endorsed by Parents’ Rights In Education, Family Policy Institute of Washington, and Connecting Communities PAC. Along with my other board members, we will immediately and aggressively put these three issues at the forefront of our duties.

What are the top three things you want to do - your three most important goals — if elected?  

DeGooyer: If I am elected to stay on the Moses Lake School Board, my goals are: 1. Continue to help foster unity and civility within the board; 2. Continue to focus on and advocate what is best for our students; and 3. Continue to ask the hard questions, and help the MLSD administration stay transparent and accountable.  

Jensen: My goals as a mom and community member are to address bullying, school safety, and IEP and 504 programs. Along with my fellow board members, I will take an active role in touring schools monthly. I will open communication with the parents to know their concerns on safety and bullying. I will take immediate and swift action to ensure student safety at our schools. I will listen to parents and all viewpoints. I believe all children are created equal and will take a stand to protect each of these precious children. My goal would be to bring back parent involvement and parents’ rights in our district. I will ask my fellow board members to help create an IEP and 504 parental advisory board that answers directly to the board.

We cannot address these complexities if we don't understand the issues. The parent will always understand their child and the issues they face, whether it be mental health, learning disabilities, or bullying. With our professional teachers, staff, and parental involvement, we will solve these complex issues as a community.