Moses Lake School District Appoints New Executive Director of Finance and Operations
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has appointed Mitchell (Mitch) Thompson as the new Executive Director of Finance and Operations, effective June 14, 2024.
Mitch Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a second major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Saint Martin’s College in Olympia, WA.
Thompson’s Impressive Background
Thompson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held significant roles such as:
- Assistant Fiscal Officer at ESD 112 in Vancouver
- Director of Risk Management & Business Operations at Battle Ground School District
- Director of Financial Services at Tumwater School District
- Executive Director of Fiscal Services at Centralia School District
He has also served as Supervisor of Enrollment & Institution Funding at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Previous Roles and Responsibilities
In his most recent role, Thompson managed business manager services for three school districts: Klickitat, Green Mountain, and Trout Lake. He implemented procedures ensuring proper internal controls over accounting systems, resulting in positive audit results for these districts.
Role and Expectations at Moses Lake
As the new Executive Director of Finance and Operations, Thompson will be responsible for the financial stability and operational efficiency of the Moses Lake School District. Acting superintendent Carol Lewis said, "Mitch Thompson's extensive background and proven leadership in financial management and operations make him a valuable addition to our team. His expertise will be crucial as we navigate the financial challenges ahead."
Changes in the School District's Leadership
School District officials noted that the Executive Director of Finance and Operations position combines two previous roles: Chief Operations Officer and Director of Finance. These roles were previously held by Jeremy O'Neil and Stefanie Lowry, respectively. Both previous positions have been vacated, and it is unclear if either Lowry or O'Neil remain employed at the district.
The new hire comes after the district announced hundreds of layoffs due to glaring accounting errors.
Thompson’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to mitigate future financial discrepancies and to foster better fiscal management in the district.
