• PHS Environmental Club:
  • Students are working on implementing a composting program at PHS. 
• Open Student Representative Positions
  • The committee suggested getting additional student representatives by advertising for the open student positions on the Sustainability Committee at Greyhound Gear Up and Spartan Start Up. 
• Pacific Education Institution (PEI)
  • Professional learning opportunities are shared with all staff in the Staff Weekly Report. It was noted that these opportunities often have additional STEM and equity clock hours available for participants. 
• Update on Grant Submissions
  • Avista Chargers: In the process of submitting formal grant. The district was working to complete the steps required for the application process. The process is underway but with the ties to the federal funding, this project might be delayed.

The committee reviewed the proposal outlining a community solar project that was presented at the April 30, 2025 Regular Board meeting. The presentation included an overview of the company and details of the proposed project, which would involve installing solar panels at Franklin, Jefferson, and Kamiak Elementary Schools, Lincoln Middle School, Pullman High School, and the Whitman County Transportation Cooperative. The proposal included a projected timeline and included the potential financial benefits for the district. Currently the district is in the pre-certification phase. The committee discussed the benefits of this project especially the funds that could be generated to help support programs and supports for low income students and families.

• The Outdoor Education grant, a statewide initiative funded by OSPI, has been completely eliminated. For the past two years, this grant has supported the district’s 5th Grade Outdoor Education Experience. In light of the cut, committee members emphasized the importance of evaluating the overall cost of camp and exploring fundraising strategies to help sustain the program in the coming year.
• The committee discussed the summer meal program and the funding challenges that the district has been working through to be able to operate a meal program this summer. Members noted that this program could potentially be supported through alternative funding sources, such as revenue generated from the solar project grant or the Avista EV chargers in the future.

The committee expressed support for holding future meetings at school buildings to increase opportunities for student engagement. Members agreed that connecting directly with students will help gather valuable feedback to inform the committee’s ongoing goals and initiatives.