MLSD settles with Absher Construction on Vanguard project

By NANCE BESTON Staff Writer

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has reached a conclusive settlement agreement with Absher Construction Company, effectively closing out all remaining contractual obligations related to the construction of Vanguard Academy. This resolution was officially accepted by the MLSD Board of Directors

during their regular meeting Thursday.

Under the terms of the settlement, the final contract sum amounts to $47.77 million, exclusive of Washington State sales tax. Additionally, the agreement establishes new contractual milestones for project completion, with substantial completion set for Sept. 25 and final completion designated

for Oct. 22. The parties confirmed that these milestones have been verified as currently met.

“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 longterm integrity of our facilities, and bring this project to a strong and transparent conclusion.”

While this agreement resolves the Vanguard Academy project, MLSD is still engaged in ongoing litigation regarding other construction projects, specifically involving Groff Elementary and Fowler General Construction. The Groff situation is a separate issue from that associated with Absher and Vanguard.

The Absher settlement terminates several disputes between the district and Absher regarding claims for payment and project delays. This resolution comes after a mediation process facilitated by Chris Soelling, aimed at avoiding the uncertainties and expenses associated with litigation.

Absher and the School District initially entered

into a contract for the Vanguard Academy Project in April 2021. Following some contentious exchanges — including claims for payment from Absher regarding outstanding change orders — the two parties decided to seek an amicable settlement.

Regarding future obligations, the agreement notes that Absher will be released from any remaining “punchlist” duties connected to the project, and all pending change orders will be deemed null and void. The School District will work promptly toward granting Final Acceptance once Absher provides the required statutory documents.

The success of this settlement reinforces MLSD’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility to its community.

“The district further emphasized that the agreement reflects a collaborative resolution,” the MLSD press release stated.