Moses Lake school leaders discuss responsibilities, challenges and goals

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen and Vice President Paul Hill joined the Studio Basin Podcast this week to discuss their roles, the misconceptions surrounding school board service and the district’s priorities moving forward. They were later joined by Ryan Shannon, the district’s Director of Public Relations.  

To listen to the full episode visit: bit.ly/2326SB.  

Jensen, now in her third year on the board, said she first ran for office after moving to Moses Lake and witnessing turmoil within the district.  

“I felt like I could probably get involved in something like that,” she said. “I felt called to be part of the solution… instead of complaining about it so much and instead working to fix some of the issues.” 

Hill, serving his fifth year, said his path to the board began with advice he heard while working security for a political campaign.  

“We’re not going to make change if we start at the top,” he recalled being told. “Change is going to come from school boards, hospital boards, city councils.” 

Hill said he resisted the idea at first, thinking someone else would take it, but eventually realized “I am that somebody else.” 

Setting policy, not wielding power 

Jensen and Hill emphasized that the board’s authority is often misunderstood.  

“The general perception from the public is that school board members individually hold power, and that is definitely not the case,” Jensen said.  

She said the board has to make decisions collectively by voting in meetings. 

Hill said the superintendent is the board’s only employee.  

Jensen seconded this sentiment saying, even though she is the board president she doesn’t have control on the day-to-day efforts in the district.  

“I think that people need to be reminded that, yes, I am the school board president, but that does not mean that I get to take your child by the hand and walk in their school with them and reprimand their teacher. That's not my job,” she said. “My job is to facilitate a communication process with community members, concerned parents with any sort of issue that they may have and direct them to the right place.”  

Jensen added that the position is fully volunteer.  

“A big misconception is that board members get paid. That’s definitely not the case,” she said. 

Workload, challenges 

While the role is technically part‑time, both leaders noted it requires significant commitment. Jensen said in a typical month, board members conduct financial audits, attend two regular meetings and remain in constant communication with staff and families.  

“Our phones ring, our emails go off,” she said. “We get text messages… that’s what it’s supposed to look like.” 

During the district’s recent financial crisis, the workload was far from typical, they said. 

“We were seeing each other nearly every day for close to two weeks,” Jensen said.  

The crisis occurred as the finances at the district were not handled correctly by those in prior administrations, as reported on by the Columbia Basin Herald. Funds that should have been balanced out once deposits were received were not, causing the district’s account balances to be overstated. Jensen, and others on the board came on just as details on what had happened were being determined. 

Hill described it as “crazy,” with six‑hour Saturday meetings and nonstop communication. 

Despite the pressure, Jensen credited MLSD Superintendent Carol Lewis with steering the district through the crisis.  

“She was an absolute rock star,” Jensen said. “She was the right person for the job.” 

The board has since implemented tighter financial oversight, including weekly financial review sessions involving board members, district staff and now a community representative.  

“There’s multiples instead of one person being responsible for that,” Hill said. 

Representation

The board frequently hears from community members with strong, and sometimes conflicting opinions. 

“We represent everybody,” Hill said. “This community is conservative. There are still liberals… we have to remember that.” 

Jensen added that board members must separate personal beliefs from their public role.  

“Sometimes your views… don’t necessarily align with your neighbor’s that you’re representing,” she said. “You need to watch that and be careful.” 

Both stressed that their guiding principle is student well‑being.  

“The only thing that matters to me is what's best for the kids,” Jensen said.  

Hill agreed. 

“Our bottom line is for the kids,” he said.  

Looking ahead 

Hill said his long‑term goals center on “student safety, school safety and student achievement,” noting that the district should not remain in “the bottom quarter” of statewide academic performance rankings. 

Jensen echoed the focus on academics.  

“We need to push that rock up the hill,” she said. “I don’t need a third goal – those are two pretty big ones.” 

Shannon encouraged the public to get involved.  

“Come to a board meeting,” he said. “It’s a lot different to be there in person than to watch it online.”  

He also pointed residents to the district’s website for board information and meeting details. 

Upcoming MLSD board meetings: 

Location: School Board Room, 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd, Moses Lake
Time: 6 p.m.
Upcoming dates:
Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19, Apr. 2, April 16 

    Moses Lake School Board Vice-President Paul Hill said his long‑term goals center on student safety and academic achievement.