UPDATE: November 28, 2025 at 5:18 p.m.
The Moses Lake Education Association (MLEA) has announced plans for a strike starting Monday, December 1, if an agreement with the district is not reached by the end of mediation on Sunday, November 30.
According to MLEA President Heather Whittall, the association has been bargaining in good faith since June. Whittall emphasized the association’s willingness to compromise, while ensuring teachers have adequate support.
“We have bargained in good faith since June, and have made significant concessions to settle this bargain,” Whittall said.
Whittall criticized Superintendent Carol Lewis for placing financial burdens on teachers and prioritizing administrative spending over classroom investments.
“Superintendent Lewis is asking teachers to make significant sacrifices to the detriment of the classroom,” Whittall explained.
She noted the recent contract gains by Moses Lake principals as evidence of available funds, accusing Lewis of failing to invest in teachers and classrooms.
The MLEA and district bargaining teams are set to meet for mediation on Sunday, Nov. 30. Whittall expressed hope for a resolution.
“We all want to be back in our classrooms with our students on Monday,” Whittall stated. “We need Superintendent Lewis and the district to show respect for Moses Lake teachers by settling a fair contract.”
UPDATE: November 28, 2025 at 3:50 p.m.
MOSES LAKE, Wash. – The Moses Lake Education Association (MLEA) and the Moses Lake School District (MLSD) continued mediation this week with a Public Employment Relations Commission mediator, though both sides remain at an impasse over professional development hours.
According to the MLEA, the district has proposed removing 24 hours of per diem professional development from the current collective bargaining agreement. The union says this would amount to a loss of about 3.5 days of compensation for educators.
The MLEA also points to a recent update from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), which reduced one of the district’s federal audit liabilities from $6.8 million to just under $30,822. The union argues this change frees up district funds and should lessen the need for cuts.
In a statement, the MLEA said professional development is essential for teachers to update skills and address classroom needs. The union has criticized the proposal, saying it would negatively affect teachers and students.
Mediation is scheduled to continue Sunday.
MOSES LAKE, Wash. – Tensions are rising in Moses Lake as educators consider striking for improved student and teacher support.
On Thursday, 90% of Moses Lake educators voted to authorize a strike if no agreement is reached by November 28.
Heather Whithall, president of the Moses Lake Education Association, expressed concerns about the district’s priorities.
She said, “The district prioritizes savings over classroom investment.”
Whithall also highlighted financial issues, stating, “The superintendent has grown a $22 million fund while cutting teacher prep time.”
The Moses Lake School District responded to the concerns and addressed the ongoing mediation process.
The district stated they are “working to negotiate in good faith.”
They also pointed out, “The school district remains in a two-year budget shortfall due to the double levy failure of 2024.”
The district emphasized the impact of financial challenges, noting they are “working significantly with less revenue than what was projected prior to the levy failure and the financial crisis.”
The community is closely watching as mediation efforts continue between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Education Association.
Article originally published November 14, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.
