MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board Member Elliott Goodrich said this week he thinks a corner has been turned with talks surrounding the high school construction bond.

He’s said he’s had many great discussions with school employees and community members, many who don’t agree with changing courses with the bond. Goodrich was elected in November and not in favor of the high school construction bond proposal as written.

After the contentious Jan. 25 board meeting where Goodrich was allegedly yelled at and heckled by teachers, Goodrich and a district representative met with two school employees Jan. 30 to discuss high school overcrowding. Goodrich declined to name the employees he met with out of consideration for their wishes but described them as “pretty passionate and pretty influential.”

“It was productive,” he said. “The meeting was set up so they could have an opportunity to talk to me. They took this opportunity and it was a really good meeting. I think we both listened to each other. The interesting thing is, we agree on a lot of stuff (including that schools are crowded). That was really nice.”

Safety is also a big issue as well as ensuring every student has an opportunity to be successful, he said.

“The priority is making sure kids have a good education,” Goodrich commented. “We’ve learned things from each other. We’re returning to a climate of civility and willingness to listen to another person. I am encouraged.”

The decorum of the most recent board meeting on Feb. 8 was improved over the last meeting, he said.