MLSD updates policies
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months, 2 weeks AGO
The Moses Lake School District just set a new policy for employees regarding social media.
COURTESY PHOTO/PEXELS/LISA
MOSES LAKE — At the Thursday night regular Moses Lake School Board meeting, one new policy was passed relating to social media usage for employees. The board also updated a policy in regard to capital assets and theft.
Social Media
Policy 5278 of the MLSD sets guidelines for employees' personal and professional use of social media and electronic communication.
Employees are encouraged to maintain a clear distinction between their personal opinions and the district's official positions while ensuring that their private online activities do not disrupt the educational environment or harm the district's reputation.
The policy emphasizes the importance of responsible posting, confidentiality, and the prohibition of inappropriate interactions with students through social media, mandating that all electronic communications related to school must be transparent and professional.
Additionally, it outlines the protocols for managing District-sponsored social media, including user-generated content moderation, retention of public records, and the consequences for policy violations, affirming the district's commitment to upholding a respectful and secure online community.
Property management
Policy 6801 is in place for the school district to keep track of assets within the school district, such as computers, which may be targeted for theft. The policy requires the district to do an annual inventory of all assets and identify any that are missing.
The updates to the policy include changing the amount of money the asset is worth to $10,000 instead of $5,000.
Superintendent Carol Lewis said this had to do with inflation.
The policy also now says the board will be provided with an annual report for assets not identified in the annual inventory. Previously, nothing was in place for the board to be informed.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.