Thursday, July 23, 2026
62.0°F

MLSD finance director resigns

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 4 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | March 10, 2025 2:40 AM

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Executive Director of Business and Operations Mitchell Thompson during a school board meeting held Thursday. Thompson’s resignation is set to take effect June 30, 2025. 

Thompson joined MLSD in June 2024, bringing experience in school finance to the district, according to an MLSD statement.  

Prior to his tenure at MLSD, he served as the Supervisor of Enrollment and Institution Funding at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, where he gained extensive knowledge in fiscal management within educational institutions. 

During his nearly year-long service at MLSD, Thompson focused on stabilizing the district’s financial outlook at a time when it faced significant scrutiny after a $20 million budget shortfall.  

His leadership was crucial in enhancing fiscal transparency and operational efficiency within the district, ensuring that stakeholders were kept informed through improved communication regarding financial processes, according to the statement.  

Under Thompson's guidance, the district implemented stronger internal financial controls designed to foster fiscal responsibility. These measures were instrumental in allaying concerns over the district’s financial integrity, ultimately leading to the determination that a forensic audit would not be required, the statement said.  

“Mitch has been an asset to MLSD during a time of significant financial transition. His expertise helped reinforce our financial integrity and ensure a more sustainable future for our school district,” said MLSD Superintendent Carol Lewis. “We extend our appreciation for his contributions and wish him the very best in his next endeavors.” 

As the district prepares for Thompson’s departure, officials have assured the community that they will continue building upon the progress made under his leadership. Further updates regarding the search for Thompson’s successor and ongoing initiatives will be shared with the community as they become available, the statement said.  

ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
July 23, 2026 3:40 a.m.

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
July 23, 2026 3:05 a.m.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting

EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
July 22, 2026 3 a.m.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.