MLSD saw challenges, achievements in 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District experienced a challenging year in 2025, marked by financial struggles, labor disputes and notable academic accomplishments. The district's resilience was on full display as it navigated a series of challenges while also fostering pockets of success throughout the academic year, Superintendent Carol Lewis said.   

In early 2025, the district grappled with the fallout from two failed levies, resulting in a reported $20 million budget shortfall exacerbated by accounting errors and inflated enrollment figures. These issues necessitated cuts to critical areas such as staffing, extracurricular programs, technology and custodial services.   

“Without new funding, the district would be forced to reduce support for school resource officers, nursing staff, maintenance and facilities,” Lewis said.   

The community rallied behind its schools by narrowly approving a four-year Educational Programs and Operations levy in February, with a vote of approximately 59%. Lewis expressed her gratitude for the community's support.  

“I am so happy for the kids and the community as a whole. The high voter turnout is just as important as the yes vote,” Lewis said.   

The approved levy is projected to provide the district with an estimated $11.2 million in 2026 and boost funding steadily over four years, thanks to state Local Effort Assistance.  

The passage of the levy allowed the school board to approve a balanced budget of $144.6 million for the 2025-26 academic year. However, as the district began the new academic year, dissatisfaction arose among educators regarding the elementary start time.   

“For the second year in a row, teachers have lost prep time, and our students are receiving less instructional time, while the district chooses to grow its savings account,” said Moses Lake Education Association President Heather Whittall in a previous interview.   

In December, tensions between district leadership and the teacher union culminated in a five-day strike, initiated on December 1. The strike was sparked by unresolved negotiations over wages, preparation time, and classroom support. A tentative agreement was reached on December 6, following six months of discussions.   

A joint statement from the district and the Moses Lake Educators Association affirmed, “This agreement meets the district’s financial requirements and the association’s expectations.”  

Despite ongoing challenges, the district celebrated various successes. The Digital Learning Center was honored with the Imagine Learning Beacon School Award in April, recognizing its effective use of digital tools to support personalized learning.   

This achievement culminated in the center’s first standalone graduation ceremony in June at Lions Field.   

“Without their belief in your potential and their unwavering support, this graduation would not have been possible,” said Lewis during the ceremony.  

MLSD also witnessed significant achievements at Moses Lake High School, which earned recognition as one of Washington’s “Schools on the Rise” from the Association of Washington School Principals and the Association of Washington Student Leaders. Principal Sheila Kries noted that this accolade symbolizes more than a mascot change; it represents a cultural shift within the school.   

“Moses Lake High School didn’t just change its mascot — it changed its future. Every student belongs, every voice matters, and every day is a great day to be a MAV,” she said.  

In response to staffing changes at the district office due to retirements and resignations, a full restructuring occurred in April, leading to new hires that saved the district approximately $53,000.   

“When I go and talk to community groups, I share that these are the foundations on which we are operating this school district: work hard, tell the truth on our mistakes, and keep our promises,” Lewis said.   

As the year comes to a close, Lewis talks about the challenges faced by the district. Drawing an analogy to cross-country running, she says, “We ran fast up that hill, and now it's time to surge past it, move forward, and get towards that finish line.”  

Looking ahead to 2026, Lewis said it’s important to focus on academic success and community collaboration.  

“As we continue to build on our strategic plan, the goal of academic success must be at the forefront of our efforts,” she said.