Changes to the agenda:

• October Budget Status Report - Added as consent agenda item
• Records Destruction Log: Finance - Added as consent agenda item

The PHS ASB student representative provided an update on recent ASB activities:

• Members of PHS ASB recently attended a GSASC Council meeting to learn more about increasing student engagement.
• ASB members volunteered at the Booster Auction, which also helped secure sponsors for the upcoming Clash of the Combine event scheduled for December 12. Spirit packs will be sold in conjunction with this event, with proceeds benefiting the ATVP program, along with funds raised through a coin drive.
• Hosting a food drive to benefit Child Welfare, with related student activities planned to support the effort.

The Board and Dr. Maxwell thanked Board Director Roberts and Board Director Tanner for their many years of service on the school board. 

The school board presented Reem Nasralla, Sunnyside Elementary Paraeducator, with the 2025 Excellence in Education (Classified Employee) Award. Corina Andersen introduced Reem as the recipient of the award, thanked her for her years of service, and shared excerpts from the nomination letter submitted by Principal Pam Brantner.

• Nathan Roberts: No report. 
• Amanda Tanner: The WSSDA Nominating Committee met and certified the first round of elections; however, Director Area 10 was unable to fill all open positions at this time. The Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) met to review current policies and recent changes at the high school level and is scheduled to meet again in December. Any recommendations requiring approval will be brought forward to the Board for consideration. Additionally, attendance at the SES PTO meeting was noted, where planning is underway for upcoming family events and fundraising activities.
• Craig Nelson: Attended sustainability committee meeting and noted highlights from that meeting. 
• Lisa Waananen Jones: No report. 

• Meeting with Eastern Washington legislative representatives and superintendents to discuss district successes and ongoing challenges. Community members are encouraged to check the district events calendar.
• Pullman, in partnership with the City of Pullman and Moscow School District, hosted the Zion Bischoff Memorial Classic basketball tournament, with 57 teams playing 228 games across eight locations. Planning is underway for a follow-up tournament in March.
• The Pullman School District Board of Directors received the 2025 Board of Distinction Award from WSSDA.
• K-8 Parent-Teacher Conference attendance (October 29–31, 2025), overall student attendance (August 27–November 10, 2025), and 4-year and 5-year graduation rates for the Class of 2025 were reported.

Sunnyside Elementary Showcase

Presenter: Sunnyside Elementary 5th Grade Team

Sunnyside Elementary’s fifth-grade teaching team presented their PLC focus on The Power of Student Goal-Setting. Teachers shared how collaborative PLC work helps identify key standards, use common assessments, and design targeted supports to guide students in setting and tracking meaningful learning goals related to the essential standards.

Students demonstrated how they use “Goal Notebooks” and “Data Binders” to monitor progress in reading, math, writing, and MAP assessments. They emphasized that goal-setting builds confidence, motivation, and a growth mindset while helping students take ownership of their learning.

Report: Special Education Services Update 

Presenter: Dominick Ventresco, Assistant Director of Special Services

Assistant Director Ventresco provided an update on the department, noting that student enrollment is at its highest in the past four years, with many new out-of-town students and 20 preschool students transitioning to kindergarten this year. Updates included department structure, post-school transitions, initiatives, and professional development. Consent to share student information with state agencies is discussed at each IEP meeting, and students meet with representatives from Asotin DVR to explore post-school options. A legal representative attended the Resource Fair this year to provide information on guardianship. Plans are underway to expand adult learning opportunities for students ages 18–22 at the high school level. New state funding will support debrief practices, STAR Autism Training for elementary developmental learning center staff, and continued collaboration with True Measure Collaborative to enhance programming at LMS ILC and Franklin. The department also leverages Parent Resource Partnership to highlight community supports.

Board Discussion – Board members inquired about family participation in consent-to-share practices, sharing resources locally versus at the state level, and support for principals in IEP roles. Assistant Director Ventresco noted that engagement varies by program, local resources are available to families, and principals receive individualized support and team collaboration as needed.

Year-End Finance Report

Presenter: Diane Hodge, Finance Director

Director Hodge presented the 2024-2025 Year-End Finance Report, which covered a 10-year enrollment history, general fund balance, revenue and expenditure summaries, and an overview/update on the capital projects, debt service, ASB, and transportation vehicle funds. 

Report: Sustainability Committee Update

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The annual report on the district’s Sustainability Committee was presented, including updates on solar panels installed on school buildings, EV chargers at the Transportation Cooperative, and compliance with the Green Buildings Compliance Rule (SB 5722).

Board Discussion – The Board asked about expected compliance timelines. Dr. Maxwell clarified that compliance is currently required according to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 deadlines. The goal is to work toward meeting those deadlines.

Board Director Tanner noted the DEIB task force held their monthly meeting and reviewed their work for the past year. Will provide more information as part of the discussion item. 

Dr. Maxwell noted that Native American Heritage month is recognized in the month of November. 

No speakers.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

This item was presented at the last meeting, and no questions have been received since it was last presented. This new policy reflects the passage of Substitute House Bill 1709.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

This item was presented at the last meeting, and no questions have been received since it was last presented. The policy has been revised to align with the Washington School Board Standards.

Presenter: Ryan Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent

Every year, each school in the district is required to present their School Improvement Plan (SIP) to the school board per Policy 2005, and then submit it to the state. Elementary principals presented their 2025-2026 SIPs to the board for discussion at the October 1, 2025 board work session. Secondary Principals presented their 2025-2026 SIPs to the board for discussion at the November 5, 2025 board work session. Noted the School Improvement Plans were guided by the board's goals set over the summer. The School Improvement Plans return to this meeting for final approval.

Presenter: Board of Directors

In accordance with Board Procedure 4110P, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) task force must receive a clear charge or specific assignment. The Board of Directors will review and discuss items related to the task force's goals and responsibilities.

Board Director Tanner and the DEIB Task Force reviewed the work of the task force over the past year, including progress on assigned tasks, current priorities, and potential new areas of focus at their last meeting. Board Director Tanner provided a status update on each task assigned to the task force. There was consensus that developing family advocacy and resource networks could significantly benefit school communities and emerged as an area of focus that the task force would like to recommend to the school board as a task moving forward into year 2.

Board Discussion – Board members discussed the task force’s progress and whether to support the recommended focus. Director Tanner suggested moving the recommendation to an action item to allow the task force to continue advancing its work.

The board will return to this item after the conclusion of the discussion items. 

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

The Pullman School District is pursuing the purchase of approximately 30.01 acres of land near the west end of Crestview Street. This parcel adjoins the 60 acres the District currently owns, creating a unified 90-acre site under District ownership. Director Pollestad highlighted key advantages of the acquisition, including utility availability, strategic planning, and investment in growth. The purchase would be funded through capital projects, with funds derived from the sale of the Aquatic Center property. Several alternative parcels were reviewed, and this site was determined to be the best option.

Board Discussion – The Board sought clarification on funding sources and potential uses of the property. It was confirmed that the purchase would be funded through capital project funds from the Aquatic Center sale. Director Pollestad noted that potential uses include a future Sunnyside Elementary, a middle school, or revenue generation through leasing, in addition to addressing the district's encumbrance needs.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The Pullman Education Association (PEA) and the Pullman School District have reached a tentative three-year collective bargaining agreement. Dr. Maxwell provided an overview of the highlights and major changes to the agreement. 

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The Pullman Classified Educators Association, representing the Educational Support Personnel Bargaining Unit (ESP), and the Pullman School District have reached a tentative three-year collective bargaining agreement. Dr. Maxwell provided an overview of the highlights and major changes to the agreement. 

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The Pullman Classified Educators Association, representing the Educational Support Personnel Bargaining Unit (ESP), and the Pullman School District have reached a tentative three-year collective bargaining agreement. Dr. Maxwell provided an overview of the highlights and major changes to the agreement. 

Presenter: Diane Hodge, Finance Director

Policy 6212 has been updated following the recommendation from our most recent audit to ensure district policy aligns with current practices and incorporates the building and department credit card process. The revised policy clarifies authorization, oversight, and accountability measures associated with district charge card use. These revisions formalize existing procedures, strengthen internal controls, and address the state auditor’s recommendation to ensure policy and practice are consistent.

Board Director Tanner reiterated that the next recommended task for the DEIB Task Force be:

Explore opportunities to develop family advocacy and support networks across multiple areas.

L. Waananen Jones announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss personnel and property that will end at 8:30pm. No action will be taken.