MOSES LAKE, Wash. — A massive accounting error in the Moses Lake School District will lead to 100 teachers and dozens of support staff being laid off.
The district said it is facing a budget shortfall of $20 million, part of which is due to an accounting error that made the district believe it had $11 million more than it actually did. As a result, the school board passed a resolution to cut staff positions and potentially explore other areas where spending can be cut.
According to the district, inflation and a reduction in local, regional and state assistance are also to blame for the budget deficit. Voters in Moses Lake also said no to two recent levies for the district, making up $4 million of the shortfall.
The district released the following breakdown of the deficit:
- Levy collection: $4 million shortfall
- Local effort assistance: $4.2 million shortfall
- Regionalization: $2 million shortfall
- State apportionment: $1.8 million reduction
- Accounting error: $11 million
In response to the deficit, the Moses Lake School Board held a special meeting on May 11. During the meeting, board members passed a resolution to cut staff positions, and said it may also cut extracurricular activities, resource officers and the amount of money allocated for career programs and college preparation.
The board said non-renewal notices will be given to approximately 100 staff members by May 15. Eliminating these positions is expected to save the district approximately $13 million.
"The Moses Lake School District remains committed to navigating these financial challenges while prioritizing the delivery of quality education to its students," the district said in a statement.
The Moses Lake School District has more than 8,300 students in Grant County. There are 20 schools, including two high schools, three middle schools and 11 elementary schools. The district also has more than 1,100 employees.
On Tuesday, the Moses Lake School Board also voted to place Superintendent Monty Sabin on administrative leave.
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