MOSES LAKE, Wash. – Teachers, families and community members gathered in Moses Lake Thursday night to demand better support for educators and students. The Moses Lake Education Association organized an informational picket, with participants wearing red to show unity.
The rally occurred amid ongoing contract negotiations. Attendees at Thursday’s school board meeting urged the district to restore the reduced elementary school schedule and programs.
In 2024, a $20 million budget crisis led the district to shorten the elementary school day by 30 minutes and cut library, music, physical education and support staff. This affected teachers, students with special needs and those learning English.
Heather Whittall, President of the Moses Lake Education Association, spoke about the slow progress in negotiations.
“After our last event, we’ve negotiated a couple times with the district. Still moving slow, and we still haven’t seen the elementary schedule restored yet,” Whittall said.
Teachers voiced their frustration, believing the district can financially restore the elementary schedule.
Superintendent Carol Lewis released a video statement on Wednesday, explaining the district’s priorities.
“Elementary start time is absolutely a priority for the district, and it always has been. And it’s always been very clearly communicated that after the levy crisis is over, and we have a full levy collection, the number one goal will be to increase that elementary start time,” Lewis said.
The district’s new levy will begin in May, and Lewis indicated the elementary schedule is expected to be restored in the 2026-27 school year. She mentioned the district is reconsidering its response to bring back the lost half-hour before next year and is open to community feedback.
Whittall emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“Every single day the kids are missing more and more school. So that’s where we’re at. It should be an urgent priority to get the kids back to school and get us back to our full schedule and get all of those opportunities back,” Whittall said.
