MLSD to host community forum on new elementary school

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District leaders will host a community forum Monday evening to gather public input on a proposal to build a new elementary school on the North Elementary property, a project that would merge North and Larson Heights elementaries and replace two of the district’s oldest buildings. 

The forum is scheduled for April 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at North Elementary and will feature members of the district’s Facilities Advisory Committee, district administrators and school board members. The presentation mirrors the January community meeting at Larson Heights, where the committee first outlined its recommendation. 

“We want people to come out, ask questions, and hear the information directly from the folks who have been involved in this process,” said Ryan Shannon, the district’s director of public relations. “The more voices, the better.” 

Aging schools, rising costs 

According to district documents presented in January, several elementary schools are approaching the end of their functional lifespan.  

North Elementary, built in the 1950s, has experienced significant HVAC and electrical failures, including condenser coil damage documented last spring. The district notes that electrical demand in schools has tripled since the building opened, with modern classrooms requiring 12–24 outlets compared to the two to four originally installed. 

Larson Heights, Longview, Knolls Vista, Garden Heights and Midway also rank among the district’s lowest-scoring buildings in the state’s School Construction Assistance Program, which helps fund replacement of aging facilities. 

Committee members concluded that larger, modern schools cost less to staff and operate, and that replacing two aging buildings with one new facility would maximize state matching dollars. Survey data presented in January showed 87% of respondents favored building new schools over repairing outdated ones. 

Why North? 

The committee recommends constructing a new 650‑student school on the North Elementary site and repurposing or selling the Larson Heights property. The plan would keep North’s gym as part of the new campus. 

“We’re still in the community‑gathering stage,” Shannon said. “This is the time for people to share their thoughts before any decisions are finalized.” 

If the district builds the new school without replacing older buildings, documents show only $14.5 million would remain for additional construction. Replacing two schools, however, could generate more than $45 million in combined capital and general fund savings through SCAP funding, construction efficiencies and reduced maintenance costs. 

Who will be there 

The forum will be led by Scott West, executive director of safety and wellbeing, and Chuck Sutton, a longtime Facilities Advisory Committee member and REC Silicon employee who has helped guide the district’s facilities planning for years. 

Superintendent Carol Lewis, district communications staff, committee members and several school board members are also expected to attend. 

A chance to be heard 

Shannon said the district hopes families, especially those in the North and Larson Heights boundaries, will attend. 

“It’s an opportunity to hear the proposal, get clarification and make suggestions,” he said. “We want people to participate rather than hear about it secondhand.” 

The district plans additional community meetings as planning continues. 

New elementary school community forum 

North Elementary  

1200 W. Craig St. 

April 27 at 6 p.m.