MLSD Board endorses upcoming levy

MOSES LAKE — During the regular session of the Moses Lake School District board meeting held Thursday, board members unanimously endorsed the upcoming levy aimed at enhancing educational resources and opportunities for students. 

Board Chair Kirryn Jensen emphasized the importance of the levy in sustaining the district's educational quality.  

“Endorsing this levy is not just about maintaining programs and staffing. It’s about affirming our dedication to the future of our schools and our community,” she said.  

The board's continued discussion about the levy came amidst a backdrop of concerns about recent district challenges related to funding and program cuts after the previous year's levy failed with voters and fiscal errors were discovered in the district. Between the errors and lack of state funding the district dealt with a $20 million budget shortfall.  

“I encourage us to move forward united in our support of this levy as it will directly impact the students, families and staff we serve,” Jenson said.  

Board Member Paul Hill highlighted the critical financial need for the district, noting that MLSD is one of only two districts out of 295 in Washington state currently without a passed levy. He expressed concern that not supporting the levy would further endanger local taxpayer resources. 

Hill said it is important that the levy be approved not only to obtain the funding it would generate directly but also to secure Local Effort Assistance money.  

Local Effort Assistance is funding from the state that is provided to school districts only if the voters of the district have approved an EP&O levy at the local level. According to a press release from the district, LEA funding would be about $23.5 million over the four-year levy term from 2026 to 2029. 

Funding from the levy would go toward facility maintenance, safety programs and protocols, athletics such as football and softball, activities including band and theater and similar functions state and federal funding does not cover. More information is available at www.mlsd161.org/levy.  

While reporting has not shown any theft or intentional wrongdoing, MLSD found itself with a $20 million finance error earlier this year which led to layoffs and program cutbacks. Staff responsible for the errors have resigned or been terminated from the district and MLSD’s administration has changed significantly in upper management with a new finance director who also serves as chief operating officer and a new superintendent, among others. The district’s financials are all now posted online for taxpayers to see and members of the school board are directly involved in reviewing the district’s finances on a monthly basis. 

Additionally, the State Auditor’s Office is conducting an audit of the district to review processes and procedures and ensure adequate controls are in place to prevent the current financial issues from happening again. 

The levy will be on the ballot for vote this February. MLSD will stop receiving any levy funds beginning January 2025 because of the dual levy failure last spring for $2 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. This year's proposed levy will be for $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The district if the levy passes will also begin to receive Local Effort Assistance — funding from the state based on property value.  

The Community Athletics and Activities group, similar to a booster club but supporting all extracurriculars in the district, has so far ensured that athletics and activities such as theater continue. However, Superintendent Carol Lewis has said it is a patch and not sustainable.  

Board members and the district’s administration have asked that anyone with questions regarding the district’s financial challenges attend board meetings or contact them directly to discuss concerns.