Sabin resigns, Lewis named interim MLSD super
Carol Lewis, right, was named interim superintendent of the Moses Lake School District at the regular Moses Lake School Board meeting Thursday. Board chair Kirryn Jensen, left, reads the announcement.
CHERYL SCHWEIZER/COLUMBIABASINHERALD
MOSES LAKE — Acting Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis has been selected as the interim superintendent for the 2024-25 school year. Lewis was appointed to the position after Moses Lake School Board members accepted the resignation of former superintendent Monty Sabin.
Board chair Kirryn Jensen read a statement prior to asking for a roll call vote on Sabin’s resignation.
“The Moses Lake School Board and Superintendent Monty Sabin would like to announce the superintendent’s resignation from his position effective June 30, 2024,” the statement said. “The Board of Directors thanks him for his time and service to the district. The Board of Directors will work diligently to find a replacement that is both qualified and shares our passion for the Moses Lake School District.”
The vote to accept Sabin’s resignation was 4-0, with Jensen and board members Paul Hill, Amy Brietenstein and Carla Urias all voting yes. The fifth board seat is vacant following the resignation of Kevin Fuhr on June 21 due to health concerns.
Sabin was placed on administrative leave May 14, following the discovery that accounting errors and declining enrollment, among other factors, led to the draining of most of the district’s reserves. That followed the rejection of an educational programs and operations levy request for the second time by district voters in April.
Lewis was named acting superintendent May 14.
A settlement between Sabin and the district, if any, was not announced.
Jensen read a statement before asking for a vote to confirm Lewis as interim superintendent.
“As most of you know, the board named Carol Lewis Moses Lake School District acting superintendent during rather a complex and financially challenging time,” the statement read. “Over the past several weeks, to address our financial struggles and get us on the right track, she has gone above and beyond.to offer a fresh outlook for our district.”
In her reply, Lewis expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you for putting your trust in me,” Lewis said. “I’m excited for the future.”
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabainherald.com.