MLSD celebrates having full new admin team on site
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 3 weeks AGO
The Moses Lake School District celebrated their first day of having a new administrative team all on site. From left to right is Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Yvonne Walker, Executive Director of Employee Services Michelle Musso, Assistant Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Katie Phipps, Superintendent Carol Lewis, Executive Director of Safety and Well-Being Scott West and Assistant Executive Director of Safety and Wellbeing Adam Sawyer.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District celebrated Tuesday after having the full new administrative team in the office.
“Well, this is actually the first day that the whole team is here,” Superintendent Carol Lewis said. “Various people have obviously been in and out. What is most exciting is that we were able to structure this team in such a way that roles are clearly defined and people were hired based on their ability to do specific work within the district.”
The district restructured its admin team for the upcoming school year after Executive Director of Secondary Education Triscia Hochstatter and Executive Director of Elementary Education Roberta Mason left the district. The restructuring began in January, according to Lewis.
“It is a lot more efficient than the way things were previously structured,” Lewis said. “I am just excited about the ability to be efficient with people who are highly competent in very defined areas.”
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Yvonne Walker started July 1. She will oversee curriculum, resource adoptions and support students in their learning. She will be assisted by Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Katie Phipps, who started July 1.
Executive Director of Safety and Well-Being Scott West will be in charge of making sure all schools have procedures in place for safety, conducting threat assessments and overseeing intimidation and bullying procedures. He started on July 8. He will be assisted by Assistant Executive Director of Safety and Wellbeing Adam Sawyer. Sawyer started July 1.
Lewis will continue her role as superintendent, which she was appointed to in November. Lewis had been serving as the interim superintendent for around five months after former superintendent Monty Sabin resigned June 30. Lewis was initially named acting superintendent May 14 after Sabin was placed on administrative leave. Then, at the June 27 meeting, she was promoted to interim superintendent.
Executive Director of Employee Services Michelle Musso oversees human resources and other operational departments. She has worked with the district for four years as the director of human resources, but her new role will expand her responsibilities.
“They are really ready to dig in and work hard on behalf of the students of Moses Lake,” Lewis said.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Mathis sworn into Ephrata council seat
EPHRATA — On Monday night, the Ephrata City Council and Mayor-Elect Steve Oliver attended a workshop to discuss roles and swear in Oliver and the council’s newest member.
Ephrata’s 2025: A year of infrastructure, parks and branding
EPHRATA — As 2025 draws to a close, the city of Ephrata reflects on a year marked by investments and improvements in its water infrastructure, park facilities, buying a new facility and branding initiatives. The city added a new water tower, upgraded its water reclamation facility, installed new park bathrooms, began replacing the playground equipment at Lions Park and formed its first brand.
Port of Ephrata reports 2025 successes
Port administration plans for infrastructure growth in 2026
EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata has marked a successful year of growth and innovation, according to Executive Director David Lanman. The Port's accomplishments include infrastructure upgrades, new services like Jet A fuel and Hertz rental cars, as well as collaborations with area partners to create opportunities.