Public School Employees of Moses Lake hold back on strike issue

MOSES LAKE — On Tuesday, the Public School Employees of Moses Lake held a membership meeting to vote on whether classified staff would or would not support the Moses Lake Educators Association if they choose to strike. PSE decided it will not be taking a formal stance of support if a teacher strike is officially called. 

“Our priority is to protect the interests and stability of classified employees,” said PSE co-President Sheryl Cassella. “Work stoppages have significant financial impacts for our members, and PSE must take a position centered on the well-being and contractual responsibilities of classified staff.” 

Last week, around 90% of MLEA voted to allow their executive board to call a strike any time after Nov. 28 if no tentative agreement is reached with MLSD. 

“Our students are losing ground,” MLEA President Heather Whittall said in a previous statement.  

She added that “for the second year in a row, teachers have lost prep time and our students are receiving less instructional time,” while the district prioritizes its financial reserves. 

However, the district rebutted that it had made it clear that the thirty minutes of education time for elementary students would not be able to return this year. The district struggled with a budget shortfall and double levy failure in 2024. In 2025, the district passed a levy; however, they only get half of those funds at the end of the school year. As a result, the district needs to keep a healthy General Fund balance to be able to pay for obligations they have made. To bring back the start time would cost the district around $2 to $3 million from the General Fund balance, according to MLSD Superintendent Carol Lewis. Lewis has told the Columbia Basin Herald several times that the district will do zero-based budgeting and only spend what it has.  

If a work stoppage occurs, MLSD said it would be “unsafe and illegal” to conduct instruction and supervision without MLEA staff. The district said it would inform families of any operational changes that may arise from a potential work stoppage.   

PSE stated that classified employees play an important role in the safety, care and daily support of students across MLSD. The statement said PSE remains committed to ensuring that, regardless of bargaining outcomes, students will continue to receive any support they may need.  

“Should a strike be called, PSE members are expected to follow their employment contracts, district directives, and guidance from PSE leadership,” reads a statement from PSE. “Classified staff should not engage in strike activities during contracted work hours unless instructed otherwise.” 

Lewis said the district remains committed to respectful, productive discussions with MLEA.  

“Our focus is on supporting students, honoring all staff and ensuring long-term financial stability on the behalf of our taxpayers,” Lewis said.  

The district and MLEA agreed to enter mediation efforts. 

“We hope the district hears us and responds with solutions that restore funding to their students, professional development, and educational programs without asking teachers to sacrifice even more,” Whittall said. 

PSE reiterated a similar sentiment.  

“We hope that both parties reach a fair agreement before November 28,” said Cassella in a statement. “Regardless of the outcome, PSE is committed to providing clear communication and supporting our members while keeping student wellbeing at the center of our work.” 

    Public School Employees of Moses Lake voted to not take a stance on the potential Moses Lake Educators Association strike.