Correction: "Moses Lake School Board accepts completion of Vanguard Academy," published June 23, 2026. The resolution did not pass at the June 18 meeting; it will have a second reading July 9.

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is considering accepting construction of Vanguard Academy, marking the formal completion of a yearslong project that saw delays, technical challenges and extensive testing before the building was turned over to the district. 

The school board will have a second hearing July 9, to decide if they will declare the Vanguard Academy project complete and formally accepting the building from contractor Absher Construction Company. The resolution notes the district received a final occupancy permit and determined it was in its best interest to accept the project as finished. 

The vote, if passed, will represents what officials described as a significant milestone: the transfer of full ownership and responsibility for the building. 

“So, the resolution is the formalized process of accepting the Vanguard building from the contractor,” said Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. “This puts an end to a contract with Absher Construction. Like any building, you take ownership; there’s still punch lists and little things to finish up. What this means is we have now accepted full ownership of the building.” 

Shannon added that responsibility will shift to the district. 

“It’s the school district’s responsibility to manage that building,” he said. “So that’s really what we’re talking about – the formal completion of the passing of the baton, if you will. Here are the keys.” 

The Vanguard Academy project, formerly known as Real World Academy, was originally awarded to Absher Construction in April 2021. 

According to a final acceptance letter from NAC Architecture, the firm overseeing the project, the work was completed “in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract documents,” and officials recommended the district accept it as complete.  

The new facility includes more than 136,000 square feet of space at 740 Yonezawa Blvd., housing classrooms, offices, kitchen space, a gymnasium and support areas. 

The building also underwent a rigorous commissioning process – a series of inspections, testing and verification steps designed to ensure systems such as HVAC, lighting, electrical and water systems operate as intended. 

District documents show the project experienced notable delays during construction and system testing. 

Commissioning reports cite disruptions tied to COVID-19 restrictions, supply chain issues and equipment delays, which pushed major system completion into 2023. 

Testing of building systems also uncovered problems that required correction before final acceptance. 

For example, heating and cooling systems initially experienced repeated failures and alarms, requiring replacement of sensors and software updates before testing could be completed, according to commissioning documents.  

Other issues identified during commissioning included ventilation and airflow imbalances, equipment performance limitations tied to noise concerns, and a building envelope test that initially failed state energy standards due to air leakage at doors, windows and wall joints. 

Several mechanical and operational deficiencies – such as drainage issues and non-operational fans – were documented and addressed through a punch list process before completion.  

Despite those setbacks, final commissioning documentation shows systems were eventually tested, adjusted and verified, with most outstanding issues resolved before acceptance. Some minor matters still need to be resolved, such as some ceiling fans need slight repairs, according to commissioning reports.  

“There are minor corrective work matters, which are oversight by the district at this point,” Shannon said. “The district maintenance team will be handling any necessary repairs going forward.”