Parents and teachers express concern over staff reductions in Moses Lake School district

MOSES LAKE, Wash. — In May, the district announced an $11 million accounting error, which led to staff layoffs and cutbacks in student activities.

For Danielle Johnson, the accounting error changed her teaching assignment.

"Last year I was teaching high school, and this year I am teaching fourth grade," Johnson said.

Sara Larson, a district counselor, said the impact of the error would be noticeable in schools.

At Moses Lake High School, Principal Sheila Kries said she wants students to remain unaffected by the staff reductions.

"I don't want kids to know we’re down 20 teachers," said Kries.

Despite losing nearly a third of the school’s staff, Kries emphasized the importance of maintaining that mentality but acknowledged there will be challenges ahead.

On Monday 4 News Now also spoke with the district regarding concerns about increased class sizes and how they plan to minimize the impact on students.

They responded, "Moses Lake School District is committed to maximizing all available funding," adding that they are confident in their plans to ensure every student has a class schedule when school starts Wednesday.

Teachers like Danielle Johnson are asking the community for support by donating school supplies and remembering to be kind to the teachers managing the increased workload this year.

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