UPDATE: December 4 at 4:09 p.m.
Moses Lake School District (MLSD) announced that there will be no school on Friday, December 5, as the strike launched by the Moses Lake Education Association (MLEA) is expected to continue into its fifth day.
According to MLSD, district officials met with a mediator on Thursday to develop a new offer, which is currently being finalized before it is presented to the MLEA. The specifics of this offer will be available on the MLSD website after its review by the MLEA is complete.
UPDATE: December 3 at 4:15 p.m.
Moses Lake School District (MLSD) announced that there will be no school on Thursday, December 4, amid the ongoing educators strike.
On Wednesday, the MLSD stated that paperwork has been filed in Superior Court to “enjoin the work stoppage and order employees back to work.” A hearing has reportedly been scheduled for later in the week.
The MLSD bargaining team received another proposal from the Moses Lake Education Association (MLEA) just before 4 p.m. and is currently reviewing this proposal.
Despite school being cancelled on Thursday, and all MLSD school buildings being closed, district officials stated that the Learning Services Center at the district office will remain open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. every weekday.
MLSD will also continue offering free breakfast and lunch for all students during school days. These meals are available to middle and high school students from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., and can be picked up from any elementary school location in the district.
Boys & Girls Club will still hold meetings at the McGraw Clubhouse from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
The district expressed its intention to facilitate the continuation of athletics through the work stoppage, with coaches working as volunteers and transportation no longer provided by the district.
“Missed school days can be made up. Missed athletic seasons cannot,” MLSD officials stated.
To view all proposals exchanged during bargaining, visit the MLSD website.
UPDATE: December 2 at 4:15 p.m.
Moses Lake School District (MLSD) announced there will be no school on Wednesday, December 3, due to the ongoing work stoppage by non-administrative certificated employees.
The district said it’s currently engaged in bargaining negotiations with the Moses Lake Education Association.
A proposal was sent to the Association on December 1 at 8:30 p.m. and a counter-proposal was received on December 2 at 2:10 p.m., the district said.
The district is reviewing the proposal and preparing a response.
UPDATE: December 1 at 4:20 p.m.
The ongoing work stoppage involving Moses Lake School District’s (MLSD) non-administrative certificated employees has resulted in the closure of schools on Tuesday, December 2, the district announced in a release.
All MLSD school buildings will remain closed to the public during this time. The Learning Services Center will stay open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday.
As of the afternoon of December 1, the district had not received any proposals or responses from the Moses Lake Education Association. The district said it remains available to review proposals throughout the evening.
Despite school closures, the district will continue offering free meals to students. Meals can be picked up at elementary schools from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Boys & Girls Club’s McGraw Clubhouse will be the only location open, with hours from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Club membership costs $15 per month for individuals or $25 per family.
Athletics and activities will continue, with coaches having the option to conduct winter sports practices. Student athletes must arrange their own transportation for practices, but the district will provide transportation for competitions.
Statement from Ryan Shannon, Director of Public Relations for MLSD:
The Moses Lake School District will be cancelling school on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, due to the ongoing work stoppage involving our non-administrative certificated employees.On November 30 at 7:00 p.m., the District provided the Moses Lake Education Association with a comprehensive proposal for their consideration. The District bargaining team made itself available beginning at 10:30 a.m. today to receive counter proposals and continue in mediated bargaining. As of 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, the District had not received any proposals or responses from the Association.The District team will remain available throughout the evening to receive and review any proposals provided by the Association. We remain committed to reaching a fair, fiscally responsible, and sustainable agreement that supports students and the long-term stability of the District.We will continue updating our community daily at 4 p.m. through our official communication channels.All proposals exchanged during the bargaining process are publicly accessible on the District website at www.mlsd161.org.
MOSES LAKE, Wash. – Moses Lake School District announced that schools will be closed on Monday, December 1, 2025, as the teachers union announced their plans to strike until a “satisfactory contract agreement” is reached.
For families affected by the closure, the district will provide updates daily at 4 p.m. through ParentSquare, the district website, social media, and email. These updates will cover mediation progress, school operations, and available resources.
During the closure, all district facilities will be closed to students and visitors. However, students needing essential items can visit their school’s main office on December 1 and 2 during regular hours. Community events may still proceed as scheduled.
The district assured families that any missed instructional days will be made up post-closure. The current last day of school is June 5, 2026, with additional days added if necessary, starting June 8, 2026. All events, including graduations, will be adjusted accordingly.
Meal services will continue with one breakfast and one lunch available for pick-up at elementary schools from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. These meals are for students enrolled in the district, and families with older students can pick up meals at the nearest elementary school.
Athletics and activities will continue if coaches and advisors choose to participate. Middle and high school winter sports may proceed, with families providing transportation to practices and the district covering transport for competitions.
For more information, families can call the MLSD Work Stoppage Information Hotline at (509) 793-7769, which will feature daily updates starting December 1.
This article was updated on December 1 at 9:13 a.m. with clarification on the teachers’ strike.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: November 30 at 6:11 p.m.
