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November 10, 2025

Board Meeting Highlights — November 6, 2025

Board Meeting Highlights — November 6, 2025

Moses Lake School District Board of Directors

The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors held its regular meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The meeting began with a celebration of excellence, followed by key district updates and several important board actions.

Honoring State Champions

The evening opened with special recognition for the Moses Lake High School Slowpitch Softball Team, which captured the WIAA 4A State Championship—the first slowpitch title in school history. The team, which finished the season with an impressive 19–1 record, was present to be formally recognized by the Board for their outstanding achievement, teamwork, and representation of the MLHS Mavericks.

Vanguard Academy Settlement Agreement

Within the consent agenda, the Board approved a major item—the Absher Construction Settlement Agreement for Vanguard Academy.

Moses Lake School District has reached a settlement agreement with Absher Construction Company, resolving all outstanding contractual matters related to the construction of Vanguard Academy. The agreement brings closure to the project and confirms mutual agreement on final closeout items.

Under the settlement, both parties agreed to a final contract sum of $47.77 million (excluding Washington State sales tax). The agreement also verified the timely completion of key milestones—Substantial Completion on September 25, 2025, and Final Completion on October 22, 2025.

“This agreement represents a balanced and responsible resolution that allows the district to move forward with confidence,” said Superintendent Carol Lewis. “Our goal has always been to protect the interests of our taxpayers, ensure the long-term integrity of our facilities, and bring this project to a strong and transparent conclusion.”

District officials emphasized that this resolution reflects a collaborative closeout and is separate from ongoing litigation related to Groff Elementary and Fowler General Construction, which involves defective work not present in the Vanguard project.

Student Travel and Policy Updates

The Board approved student travel requests for the MLHS Cross Country and Swim teams as they advance to state-level competition.

Several board policies were also adopted or advanced for review:

  • Approved on Second Reading:
    • Policy 1005 – Key Functions of the Board
    • Policy 3424 – Opioid-Related Overdose Reversal
  • Adopted on First Reading:
    • Policy 5401 – Sick Leave
    • Policy 5404 – Family, Medical, and Maternity Leave
    • Policy 5409 – Unpaid Holidays for Reason of Faith or Conscience
    • Policy 2004 – Performance Improvement Goals

Finance Report

Director of Finance Ruby Perez provided an update on enrollment, revenues, and expenditures. She reaffirmed the district’s financial principles and accountability to the community:

  • Levy funds will be spent only as promised to voters.
  • The district’s purpose is to educate students responsibly, not simply employ staff.
  • Hiring will focus on fit and purpose, not filling positions for the sake of doing so.
  • The district remains committed to fiscal conservatism and responsible spending.

Department Reports

Superintendent Lewis was joined by members of her executive team to provide updates across several key areas:

  • Teaching & Learning:
    Executive Director Voni Walker outlined the ongoing instructional materials review, including a committee being formed for the comprehensive sexual health curriculum and a call for community and parent participation on the committee. Interested parties should email her at ywalker@mlsd161.org. She also shared progress on the ELA adoption process, which will conclude its review in early 2026, with recommendations expected to reach the Board by April.
  • Safety & Well-Being:
    Executive Director Scott West recapped the recent Community Town Hall on Bullying, noting that staff are contacting participants to form ongoing work groups. He also reminded families of the ways to report bullying—via the MLSD website or the StopIt app.
  • Employee Services:
    Executive Director Michelle Musso provided an overview of the district’s complaint process, emphasizing transparency and clear steps for resolution and appeal available to staff and community members.
  • Superintendent’s Report:
    Superintendent Lewis highlighted recent community engagement efforts, including the joint City Council/School Board meeting, participation in the LEAD Summit, a meeting with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete, and even teaching math to students at Endeavor Middle School.

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