All extracurriculars on the chopping block at Moses Lake School District

MOSES LAKE, Wash. - The Moses Lake School District is grappling with a $20 million deficit, causing major changes in operations districtwide.

"Because of the status of where our school district is and a double levy failure, we have a lot of skepticism in our community," said Ryan Carpenter, Community Athletics and Activities Organization president.

The CAA is a separate entity from the school district which shattered the community's trust amidst a $20 million shortfall.

As a result, voters shot down the levies needed to keep the district afloat, unsure where the tax dollars were being sent.

The district has already laid off more than 200 positions.

Also on the chopping block: every extracurricular activity from theater to football.

The harsh reality of empty stands, vacant basketball court, and deserted baseball diamonds is weighing heavy on the Moses Lake community, reminiscent of the days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We would just hate for that to happen twice in someone's high school career that someone's extracurriculars didn't happen," Carpenter said.

Carpenter, a former Moses Lake Athlete, is fighting to do what the school district couldn't: keep these programs fully funded.

"Just looking at that and how passionate I was in being involved after school, in extracurriculars, I just can't imagine having that taken away," Carpenter said.

Carpenter and a growing number of community members are working to collect every dime of the $2.6 million needed to continue operations for after school programs, something they will have to do for at least the next two years until voters are presented with another levy.

"We're looking for this to be such a positive thing," Carpenter said. "Get these kids on the courts, the fields, the stages, and allow them to enjoy their years in the school district."

So far, the group has collected more than $70 thousand.

Carpenter says every dollar goes straight into the funding of these programs.

For more information on how to donate, visit the Community Athletics and Activities Fund fundraising site.

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