MLSD, MLEA address school day, finances during final meeting of 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors held its final meeting of 2025 on Thursday. During the meeting, both the Moses Lake Education Association and district administration discussed the ongoing concern of school day length.  

MLEA President Heather spoke in the public comments portion of the meeting, saying, “I’m submitting over 500 community signatures on a petition calling on the district to restore the full elementary schedule right away. Our elementary students are still missing 30 minutes of instructional time every single day. That loss equates to 15 days of instruction per year, and from last year to now, those same students have missed more than 22 full instruction days in less than a year and a half.” 

MLSD Superintendent Carol Lewis said it was time to put that issue aside, as it has been resolved through contract negotiations during the recent MLEA work stoppage. With the district’s recent financial crisis, which has stretched over the past two calendar years, Lewis said the district will stick to its current plan, which was agreed to in negotiations with the local union and was committed to by the district as it asked for approval of its maintenance and operations levy earlier this year.  

“Although it was not a mandatory subject of bargaining, the district made two offers to the Association that would have increased elementary programs in January of this year; the association rejected both of those offers,” Lewis said. “Next year, when the full levy funding is available, the district will add more elementary programming, so students have regular, equitable access to library time and more access to music and PE than they do now. This will also provide all elementary teachers with a 30-minute planning period during the time students are present at school, which the MLEA and the district have now mutually agreed, will begin in the fall of 2026, not during the current school year.” 

Lewis further said she felt conflict between the district and MLEA was being pushed by groups or individuals outside of the community, rather than by local concerns.  

“As I predicted weeks ago, outside influences are pressuring local people to advocate in ways that are not best for Moses Lake in the long run. There are voices that do not carry responsibility for our students, our finances or our long-term commitments,” she said. 

Further exacerbating concerns in the community during a sensitive time was an issue associated with accounting related to Future Farmers of America funds. As previously reported, about $55,000 in funding for FFA could not be found and agriculture teacher Tony Kern expressed public concern about the money. However, working with other district staff, Kern and accounting personnel were able to identify which account the money had been placed in and correct the issue.  

“We are now very confident that ALL funds have now been accounted for and put in the right place! Additionally, the district has supported us in finding a solution to eliminate any future issues,” a Moses Lake FFA statement read after the issue was resolved. “After a thorough review, we believe that the mix-up with the funds was done inadvertently and without intent. We believe that all levels within the Moses Lake School District have a desire to support the students, club activities and the Moses Lake FFA.”   

Staff provided further details during the meeting. 

“Ultimately, $51,574 of FFA fundraising money has been located within the budget, and we are now confident the funds have been accounted for and put in the right place,” said MLSD Executive Director of Employee Services Michelle Musso. “Additionally, the district has supported us in identifying a solution to prevent future issues. After a thorough review, we believe that the mix-up with the funds was done inadvertently and without intent. We believe that all levels, at all levels of the Moses Lake School District, are committed to supporting students club activities and Moses Lake FFA."

Lewis said that, with the FFA funds issue and union contract negotiations finalized, it is time for the community to move forward and stay on plan to meet the district’s financial and educational goals.  

“I encourage all of us to pause and reflect on who we are. In my 31 years as a public educator, I have never seen a community respond with more heart and commitment than Moses Lake did last year, when we faced the devastating financial crisis. We have proven that, united, we are amazing. Let's put the past behind us and move forward together. Let's lift each other up and support one another. Let's stop jumping to conclusions and making accusations. Let's trust one another enough to have direct conversations. Let's share resources rather than compete for them. Let's tell the truth. Let's work hard, let's own our mistakes and let's keep our promises,” she said. 

To view the meeting, go to https://bit.ly/MLSD121725.