Dear Team Moses Lake,

I want to share an important update that affects not just one school, but our entire district family.

After months of investigation, collaboration with outside experts, and thoughtful discussion with legal counsel, the district—supported by a vote of the Board of Directors last night—has made the decision to keep Groff Elementary closed for the 2025–2026 school year.

This decision was not made lightly. As many of you know, Groff has been experiencing serious and ongoing building issues tied to its original construction. Despite early hopes for resolution and repair, it became increasingly clear that reopening the building before comprehensive work is complete would risk further disruption and potentially compromise student and staff safety.

By keeping the building closed, we can focus fully on repairs and provide greater stability for Groff students, families, and staff in the year ahead.

We also recognize that this decision impacts far more than a physical space—it affects people: the students who call Groff home, the staff who pour their hearts into that school, and the colleagues across our district who will help support and welcome Groff students next year.

In the coming weeks, we will be finalizing plans for the 2025-2026 school year. We are grateful to the Groff staff and leadership for their extraordinary flexibility and compassion throughout this process.

We know you may receive questions from families or community members following today’s announcement. A press conference will be held this morning at 10:30 a.m., where leadership will provide further details and answer media inquiries. If you're approached with questions you’re unsure about, please feel free to direct folks to our district website or forward those questions to the Communications Office.

Thank you for your continued professionalism, empathy, and support. Moments like this remind us how strong we are together—and how our shared commitment to students remains our guiding force.

With gratitude,

Carol Lewis
Superintendent
Moses Lake School District