MLSD Insider

Over the last several weeks Educational Service District staff have been working with MLSD staff to make sure all available funds for the 2023-24 school year have been claimed with the goal of finishing the fiscal year with a positive cash balance for the district. As this work concludes, attention has begun to shift toward building a balanced, fiscally responsible budget for the 2024-25 school year. Mitch Thompson, newly hired executive director of finance and operations, has started to come on board to lead this process. Our commitment to the community is to be fiscally responsible and completely transparent as we plan educational programming for our students.

In response to the lack of funding for Moses Lake School District extracurricular activities like athletics, band, and clubs, a community support group has formed. The CAA is a non-profit organization with a goal of meeting the extracurricular needs of local students. The CAA is not affiliated with the Moses Lake School District. We greatly appreciate their support.

If you would like to be involved or follow their progress, information is shared on their facebook page.

The board of directors announced Carol Lewis as Interim Superintendent following the resignation of former superintendent Monty Sabin. Board president Kirryn Jensen stated, "The board named Carol Lewis Moses Lake School District acting superintendent during rather a complex and financially challenging time, Over the past several weeks, to address our financial struggles and get us on the right track, she has gone above and beyond to offer a fresh outlook for our district."

The school board recognized the Transportation Department, represented by Lorri Smith and mechanics Ethan Munoz and Marco Reyes, for their outstanding record of exceptional inspections as declared by the OSPI Director of Student Transportation and Traffic Safety Education. School bus inspections are conducted twice a year, with one being unannounced. The Transportation Department has consistently excelled in maintaining our fleet. Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority, and we are proud to honor their hard work!

Board of Directors affirmed the surplus designation of two district properties and announced the intent to sell them in accordance with district policy 6882. The district is committed to following all necessary procedures to safeguard taxpayer money and interests. Proceeds from the sale of the properties will be placed into either the debt service fund or the capital projects fund. Proceeds from the sale of the properties may be deposited back into the originating fund.

The surplus properties are as follows:

• Surplus Parcel #1: Located at 2nd St. NE and Wheeler Road, Moses Lake, Washington, 98837 (Assessor’s Tax Parcel No 12 1196000), this parcel is approximately a half-acre lot.
• Surplus Parcel #2: A proposed 89,000 square foot lot on the east side of the road into CB Tech and Transportation off Yonezawa Way, Moses Lake, Washington, 98837 (within Tax Assessor’s Tax Parcel No 110478100, abbreviated legal description: Lot 1, Block 1).

A public hearing to receive evidence and comments for and against the propriety and advisability of the proposed sale is scheduled for July 25, 2024, at 6 PM, in the MLSD Board Room (transportation building) at 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

Trisha Shock gave a detailed presentation about the current status of finances in the Moses Lake School District, including projected enrollment, grant claims, and continued efforts to reduce costs.

• Thursday, July 25, 6pm – Regular Board Meeting

Location: 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd. (Board room in the MLSD Transportation building by Vanguard/CB Tech)

Livestream: mlsd161.org/livestream/

*May be subject to changes or additions with 24 hours minimum notice