Leaders of the Moses Lake Education Association and district staff urged the Moses Lake School District Board of Directors on Thursday to restore a full elementary school day and bring back music, library and physical education that were cut during last year's budget reductions.

The appeals came during the public-comment period and included a petition delivered to the board “with more than 350 signatures,” Heather Whittall, president of the Moses Lake Education Association, said. “This represents over 90% of our members, so we are definitely united in our belief,” she said.

Why it matters: Teachers and the district’s small number of on‑staff medical providers told the board the shortened day reduces instructional time and routine for students and disproportionately harms those who depend on related services. Life‑skills teacher Christina White said, “Time is not just minutes on a clock. Time is access.” School nurse Liz Pray said, “PE, music, and library are not extras. They are essential supports for the well‑being and growth of every child.”

Educators described specific harms. Christina White said students receiving special education services require more instructional time and that shortened days have forced some therapies into whole‑group settings and disrupted routines, causing anxiety and behavioral issues. Fourth‑grade teacher Stevie Cast said the current schedule reduces instruction by “90 hours” for kindergarten (referring to the cumulative loss compared with previous schedules) and that enrichment time helps students who learn via music or movement.

Board procedure and union action: Whittall told the board that district educators helped pass the recent levy with the understanding that cuts would be reversed when finances stabilized; she said the levy has provided four years of financial stability but elementary schedules remain reduced. Several teachers said they have collected a petition asking the board to direct Superintendent Carol (first name used in meeting) to restore full elementary schedules immediately.

District response: The public‑meeting rules were restated before comments; the board’s superintendent and other staff acknowledged the comments and said they would follow up. Questions from board members during the meeting pressed staff for clarity on procedures and next steps, but no formal board action to restore schedules was taken at the Sept. 18 meeting.

What was asked of the board: Petitioners asked the board to direct the superintendent to restore elementary schedules and to prioritize returning library, music and PE to the elementary day. They also asked the board to consider the equity and compliance implications for students who receive special education services.

Next steps: The board did not adopt a motion on restoration at the Sept. 18 meeting. Petitioners said they expect the board to follow up; the superintendent and staff said they would investigate and respond as appropriate under the Open Public Meetings Act.

Ending: Educators urged the board to act quickly, saying the programs removed during the budget shortfall are protective factors for students’ academic and mental health. The board heard the comments during public comment and did not take immediate policy action; petitioners delivered the signatures and asked the board to prioritize restoration.