Hill resigns from Moses Lake School Board, cites upcoming move to Idaho

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board Vice Chair Paul Hill announced his resignation during the board's regular meeting Sept. 3, saying he and his family plan to move to Idaho once their home is sold. 

Hill said his resignation will take effect upon adjournment of the board's Sept. 17 meeting, ending a tenure that began in 2021 during a turbulent period for the district that included leadership changes, financial challenges, levy failures and collective bargaining negotiations. 

"Please accept my resignation effective upon the motion to adjourn our Sept. 17, 2026, regular meeting," Hill told fellow board members. "We'll be working to finish our home, get it on the market, and when it sells, we'll be moving to Idaho to get closer to our kids." 

Hill delivered the announcement near the end of a lengthy speech reflecting on his time on the board. He described his service as a team effort and highlighted what he viewed as accomplishments during his tenure. 

"I want to clarify that when I say 'I,' I mean 'we,' or I mean 'us' as a team, because it is, and it was a team effort," Hill said. 

Hill was elected during a period when the district faced controversy surrounding former leadership and later served through a financial crisis that led to staff reductions, budget cuts and efforts to rebuild public trust. He praised board members, district staff and community supporters for helping stabilize the district. 

"As a unified team, we began a long, arduous task and process of discovering what led to and contributed to the financial collapse," Hill said. "I am proud to say that not only did we survive the mess, but we came out strong as a team and as a district." 

Hill also thanked district employees, law enforcement partners, community members and local media. 

"A special thanks goes to Rob Miller and Nance Beston with the Columbia Basin Herald for their consistent, honest and fair reporting," he said. 

Board members reacted with surprise and gratitude following the announcement. 

Board President Kirryn Jensen said Hill's announcement caught her off guard. 

"Paul, you kind of threw me for a loop there, dude," Jensen said. "I just want to say thank you for all that you've done. I feel very blessed to know you, and you've done a wonderful job here." 

Board member Michael Nordsten thanked Hill for his years of service and noted the vacancy will soon create an opportunity for another community member to join the board. 

"I didn't think I'd need to say this when I came to this meeting, but Paul, thank you for your service," Norton said. 

Board member Amy Breitenstein also praised Hill's contributions. 

"It's been a wild ride, hasn't it?" Breitenstein said. "Thanks, Paul." 

Superintendent Carol Lewis credited Hill as a key partner during the district's recovery efforts. 

"It has been such an honor to work with you, and I can't even imagine this role without you," Lewis said. 

Although Hill is stepping down from the board, he said he plans to remain involved in district affairs during the transition and continue serving on advisory committees. 

"I am not leaving entirely," Hill said. "I'll be here for three or four months. I will continue to serve on facilities advisory, long term, and citizens financial. It's just I need to step back away from the board." 

The school board is expected to begin the process of filling the vacancy after Hill's resignation becomes official later this month. 

In other business, the board welcomed student board representatives Brynn Bond, a junior at Moses Lake High School, and Angie Hernandez, a senior at Digital Learning. Two additional student representatives, MLHS sophomore Molly Albertson and MLHS freshman Knox Albertson, will be introduced at a future meeting. 

Several new administrators joining schools and district leadership positions for the 2026-27 school year were also recognized. In addition, the board approved Policy 1111 regarding the oath of office following a second reading, and approved revisions to Policy 5401 concerning employee leave and attendance requirements. 

The school district received a financial report showing the district's unassigned fund balance stood at approximately $566,000 in July. Executive Director of Finance Ruby Perez said district revenues, expenditures and cash flow were generally tracking as anticipated. 

A back-to-school report was provided by Lewis, who highlighted the districtwide staff kickoff event, the reopening of Groff Elementary School and the first day of classes. 

Public comments from community members were shared regarding the district aquatics programs, Vanguard Academy and student enrollment issues. 

The meeting concluded with a congratulation to students and staff on the start of the 2026-27 school year. 

    The Moses Lake School District introduced two of four of its student school board representatives at the Sept. 2 meeting. Angie Hernandez (left) a senior at the Digital Learning Center, is serving her second term as a student representative. Brynn Bond (right) is a sophomore at Moses Lake High School serving her first term. Student board representatives Molly Alberson and Knox Albertson were unable to attend the Thursday night meeting but will be introduced at the following regularly scheduled school board meeting.
  

    New administrators and teachers were acknowledged at the Sept. 3 Moses Lake School Board meeting. From left to right: Peninsula Elementary Associate Principal Amy Tindal; Park Orchard Elementary Associate Principal Kathleen Bergstron; Larson Heights Elementary Principal Dawn Sandhop; CBTECH Assistant Director Monica McAtee; Frontier Middle School Principal Katie Phipps; Garden Heights Elementary Associate Principal Rachel Franz; Knolls Vista Elementary Principal Sara Richards and Moses Lake High School assistant principal for CTE Sarah Aiken. Back row: Assistant Executive Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning Dr. Kevin Rupprecht; Frontier Middle School Associate Principal James Evans; CBTech Director Chad Utter; Groff Elementary Associate Principal Will Britt and Longview Elementary Associate Principal Jake Long.