MOSES LAKE – Ruby Perez has officially taken the reins as the business manager for the Moses Lake School District. With over a decade of experience in educational finance, Perez said she brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to the community's future.  

“God gives me a word every year,” Perez said. “This year, it was trust, and he said to trust him, and he led me to the Moses Lake School District. I don’t think God has coincidences."  

Perez's professional background is rooted in her degree in accounting from Washington State University. Following her graduation, she gained experience through an internship with the State Auditor's office, which paved the way for her initial career in education finance at the Othello School District.  

“I got my foot wet in school finance while helping out with accounting,” Perez said.  

Shortly thereafter, she took on the role of Director of Finance and Operations at the Warden School District, where she managed financial processes and oversaw various operations. 

In her quest to deepen her expertise, Perez pursued a School Business Leadership Certificate from the University of Washington.  

“During the program, I learned from top CEOs, CFOs, and superintendents, which really helped shape my approach to school finance,” she said, proudly identifying herself as both a Husky and a Coug.  

Subsequently, she worked with the Educational Service District in Anacortes, where she served as CFO for multiple districts and even taught aspiring business managers.  

What inspired Perez to come to the Moses Lake School District was her desire to make a meaningful difference in children's lives, she said.  

“If I’m going to put in the long hours and dedication that this job requires, I want it to count for something,” she said.  

Her passion for education is personal; as a mother, she wanted to ensure that her children — and all children — had access to quality schooling. Her membership as a women's pastor at Life 360 Church further strengthens that connection, as she oversees the children's ministry and actively engages with the community. 

Despite a deep-rooted passion for leadership and education, Perez said her journey into finance was somewhat serendipitous.  

“Growing up, I worked in the fields alongside my father, who was a farm labor contractor,” she said. Starting her own business at the age of 15, she took on finance-related tasks, learning essential skills that she now applies in her current role.  

“It wasn’t a planned route, but it all added up to where I am today,” she said.  

At the Moses Lake School District, Perez describes her role as both collaborative and critical.  

“I need everybody here as much as they need me,” she said. “It feels like a family. As stressful as this job can get, I look forward to coming to work every day because of the people I work with.”  

Set against the backdrop of ongoing budget negotiations and other challenges, her immediate priorities focus on fiscal health and community trust.  

“One fire at a time,” Perez said when discussing her approach to addressing the district’s financial issues, particularly the timing of levy money that arrives late in the budget cycle.  

“Being conservative right now will help us build a healthy fund balance to sustain us until that money comes in,” she said.  

Moreover, she acknowledged the fluid nature of the budget process.  

“We just found out recently that we’ll be receiving federal dollars we didn’t anticipate. It’s ever-changing,” she said.  

Perez said she aims to ensure that funds are allocated transparently and responsibly, noting that 80% of the district’s budget is dedicated to salaries, which must comply with state and federal regulations. She also mentioned how levy dollars have been promised to be allocated in certain fashions, which she plans to ensure happens.   

“We need to be accountable and honest, walking the walk and not just talking the talk,” she said.  

As she embarks on this new chapter, Perez said she remains committed to fostering relationships within the community.  

“Rebuilding trust is paramount,” she said. “Our goal is to show everyone that we’re here for the children and doing everything we can for them.” 

In her personal life, Perez unwinds by golfing and spending time with her three young adult children, creating a balance that she believes is essential in such a demanding role.  

“Golfing is my way of escaping the pressures of work,” she said, noting that playing at the Othello golf course evokes cherished childhood memories. 

As Perez settles into her role, she said her dual focus on professional excellence and community involvement positions her well to impact MLSD.  

"I'm exactly where I need to be," she said, "and I look forward to a future of trust and collaboration."