Changes to the agenda:

• Out-of-State Travel Request - Added as consent agenda item
• PHS Student Ambassador Report - Added as program report

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

• Planning for the annual TOLO dance, themed “Tolo-chella,” scheduled for February.
• Planning for Spirit Week, which will include lunch games for students, hallway decorating, and the annual dodgeball tournament.
• FFA hosted a Winter Formal event.
• FCCLA participated in regional competitions over the weekend; all PHS students who competed qualified for the state level.
• The Senior Showcase through Career Choices is currently taking place.

• Stephanie Horn: Reported having the opportunity to visit schools.
• Deena Bayoumi: Attended the PTA meeting at Kamiak Elementary, which is currently gearing up for fundraising efforts and a Glow Party.
• Craig Nelson: Participated in the blood drive for Kamiak Elementary to support their efforts toward qualifying for a grant. Shared that the FFA Booster Club annual auction is coming up and plans to attend.
• Lisa Waananen Jones: Participated in the Jefferson Elementary blood drive. Also visited the Schweitzer Well-Being Center following its reopening and thanked everyone involved in the transition, noting it has been a smooth process.
• Arron Carter: Added Policy 5000/5005 as informational items and shared questions regarding the district’s hiring and background check policies, with the intent of making them available for public review. Noted that staff are reviewing the related policy and procedures in response to inquiries to ensure district practices are aligned. Reported attending the State of the District presentation by Superintendent Bob Maxwell at the Chamber of Commerce. Shared that an email was sent regarding optional weekly one-on-one meetings between the Board President and the Superintendent, with a board director invited to attend on a rotating basis.

• Recognized January as School Board Recognition Month, read the Governor’s Proclamation, and presented each board director with a Certificate of Appreciation.
• Reminded the Board that Friday, January 16, is a Staff Professional Learning Day, with the Nez Perce Tribe leading the learning for staff.
• Announced upcoming PHS performances: 1) PHS Choir will present “A Night at the Theater” on January 30 and 31 at 7:00 p.m.; admission is free. 2) PHS Drama will present Disney’s Frozen on February 19–20 and 26–28 at 7:00 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.
• Shared that athletics and activities are underway across the district.
• Reported that the Pullman Education Foundation met and is working on fundraising efforts for Teacher Grants and scholarships, and noted there are openings for individuals interested in serving on the PEF board.
• Provided an update on the State of the District presentation at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, which was well attended and highlighted district successes as well as current opportunities and challenges facing public education.
• Shared attendance at the Annual Legislative Conference on January 9–10, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, focused on advocating for the district and schools across Washington State, and reviewed the 2026 WASA/WSSDA/WASBO shared legislative priorities for K–12 education.

Jefferson Elementary Showcase

Presenter: Kelsey Winningham, Jefferson Elementary Principal

The Jefferson team (Niki Wolf, Jill Patera, Samantha Schertenleib, Diane Hathaway) provided an update on the use of the LAP/High Poverty grant. Funds were used to purchase books for a staff book study and to support staff attendance at a Tier 1 conference. The team shared key learnings from the conference on effective Tier 1 interventions, best instructional practices, and strategies to support the diverse needs of all students. They outlined plans to share these strategies schoolwide through staff meetings, focusing initially on behavior and now expanding to academic supports as a foundation has been established. This work represents a refinement of current practices rather than new initiatives.

Report: Pullman High School Student Ambassador Program

Presenter: Jerrod Fleury, Pullman High School Principal & Pullman High School Student Ambassadors

Principal Fleury provided background on the student-led ambassador program, which ensures student voice and representation. Ambassadors shared updates on their 2025–2026 projects, including the Student Culture Summit held December 12 with 50 student participants, focused on the schoolwide theme “Because You Matter” to build belonging. Activities included leadership skill-building, group discussions on areas for growth, and planning next steps to increase student engagement. The ambassadors also provided updates on social media outreach, a student podcast, and service projects. The “Because You Matter” panel, formerly the DEI panel, has been re-envisioned to include all students’ experiences. Future initiatives include revamping Hound Time for meaningful student discussions and implementing the “Why You Matter” project, potentially in collaboration with Greyhounds Minds Matter.

Report: Technology Services

Presenter: Tyler Craigie, Information & Instructional Technology Supervisor

Supervisor Craigie provided a Technology Services update, reviewing 2025 accomplishments and outlining strategic priorities for 2026. Highlights included the transition to classroom-based Chromecarts at Lincoln Middle School, completion of major cybersecurity upgrades (central firewall, Linewize, Classwize), and continued high-volume district support. Strategic priorities for 2026 include strengthening school security with upgraded access controls and digital hall passes, expanding family digital safety resources through Qustodio and an Online Safety Hub, and improving network resilience with core switch upgrades and enhanced immutable data backups. 

Board discussion included questions on rising storage costs (currently being managed), parent access to digital tools (available for all parents of enrolled students with a sign-up process), and recognition of the Technology Services team for their responsiveness.

Superintendent Maxwell shared an update from the DEIB Task Force's December meeting, which included a report from Pullman High School Principal Jerrod Fleury on the school’s “All Means All” vision and “Because You Matter” theme, which focuses on strengthening student connection, belonging, and supportive adult relationships. The task force also discussed preliminary planning for a Spring Community Connections event, including potential collaboration with existing events and strategies to increase community participation.

Board Director Carter noted that discussions have taken place about possible collaborating with the task force to host a board community listening session in conjunction with the spring community connections event. 

No Speakers.

Board Director Nelson requested the removal of the item listed as "ASB Constitution and Bylaws" from the consent agenda. 

The item was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Board Director Nelson for further discussion. The Board discussed concerns regarding the proposed ASB Constitution and Bylaws for the LMS Debate Club, including the absence of a defined process for meeting with student leaders and incomplete governance structures within the executive body. 

The Board voted unanimously not to approve the ASB Constitution and Bylaws - LMS Debate Club, and directed that the item return for future consideration once concerns are addressed. The Board recommended that revisions include clearer governance procedures consistent with standard parliamentary practices.

Presenter: Arron Carter, Board President

Board Director Carter provided background on the board officer rotation, noting it is rooted in best practice and ensures all board directors have the opportunity to serve in different leadership roles. In accordance with the established rotation schedule, Board Director Nathan Roberts deferred the remaining term of his presidency (October–December 2025) to Board Director Arron Carter, and Board Director Amanda Tanner deferred the remaining term of her vice presidency (October–December 2025) to Board Director Lisa Waananen Jones. For 2026, per the rotation outlined in Policy 1210P, Board Director Arron Carter is scheduled to serve as Board President and Board Director Lisa Waananen Jones as Board Vice President. Approval would formalize the officer positions currently held by Board Directors Carter and Waananen Jones.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

This item was presented at the last meeting and no questions have been received since it was last presented. The roofs at both Jefferson and Franklin Elementary Schools have reached the end of their functional lifespan. To move forward, Pullman School District will initiate the formal bid process required for major construction projects. Upon board approval to proceed, staff will prepare bid specifications, solicit proposals from qualified contractors, and return to the Board with recommended bids for award.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

This item was presented at the last meeting and no questions have been received since it was last presented. The Johnson School property consists of the former Johnson School building and approximately 2.77 acres of land. In compliance with Policy 6882 – Sale of Real Property, Pullman School District initiated a formal bid process. One bid was received - submitted by Bernard and Heather Druffel in the amount of $125,000. This bid meets the policy requirement of exceeding 90% of the appraised value.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

This item was presented at the last meeting and no questions have been received since it was last presented. Pullman School District with input from the PSD Finance Committee has updated its facility rental fee schedule. The revised schedule replaces a single fee structure with a three-tiered model based on organization type and use, providing reduced fees for non-profit and youth-serving organizations and full cost-recovery rates for private and commercial users. This update supports equitable community access, responsible stewardship of district resources, and fiscal responsibility.

Presenter: Arron Carter, School Board President

The Board discussed the annual review of Board Protocol documents 1101F and 1101F2, noting they were recently revised. Several board directors expressed interest in additional time to review and discuss the protocols, including questions about external communication practices, constituent anonymity, and clarity and consistency in communication. The Board discussed possible approaches for revisions, including targeted review of specific sections and sharing suggested language in advance. It was agreed that the item will be brought forward for further discussion at the February work session, with board directors encouraged to submit questions or suggested edits ahead of time.

Presenter: Arron Carter, School Board President

It was noted that committee assignments are typically reviewed at the Board Retreat; however, due to a mid-year change, existing assignments would be adjusted to maintain continuity through the remainder of the school year, with appointments to be revisited at the summer retreat in preparation for the 2026–27 year. The Board discussed a request from Board Director Bayoumi to switch committee assignments in order to represent the Board on the DEIB Task Force. Board Director Bayoumi requested, and Board Director Horn agreed, to switch representation between the DEIB Task Force and the Wellness Committee. The Board was in agreement to make the adjustment and move the item forward as an action item.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

Resolution 25-26:05 is recommended for Board consideration to acquire the 30 acres adjacent to the already purchased 60 acres. This resolution affirms the Board of Directors' intent and legal authority to acquire real property identified in the Purchase and Sales Agreement for future District purposes. The resolution further authorizes and directs Superintendent Bob Maxwell to take all actions necessary to finalize the transaction on behalf of the District. Board discussion highlighted that the acquisition would improve access to the existing 60 acres, and it was clarified that the purchase includes access to current city utilities.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

Pullman School District has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Bernard and Heather Druffel for the transfer of ownership of the Johnson School building and surrounding 2.77 acres of property. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which Mr. and Mrs. Druffel will acquire the building and associated land from the District. All necessary due diligence and procedural steps will be followed prior to finalizing the transfer.

Presenter: Ryan Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent

Board Policy 5010, Discrimination-Free Workplace, was updated to align with the most recent WSSDA sample policy following multiple revisions to Title IX guidance after the repeal of the 2024 federal regulations. Districts were directed to revert to the 2020 Title IX framework to remain in compliance, and WSSDA continued refining the policy throughout 2025, with the latest updates issued in December 2025. The revised policy includes a title change, reflects current legal requirements, and incorporates more durable language affirming the district’s obligation to comply with applicable regulations. Board discussion noted that these updates result from changes in federal law and that WSSDA vets policy revisions through legal counsel before issuing guidance to districts.

• January

For 2025-2026 School Year 

Budgeted FTE: 2540 

Current FTE: 2627.57

Current Year Average FTE: 2637.28

• 5000 Recruitment and Selection of Staff
• 5000P Recruitment and Selection of Staff
• 5005 Employment and Volunteers: Disclosures, Certification Requirements, Assurances and Approval

• 2106 Program Compliance
• 2108 Learning Assistance Program

• 5010P Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action
• 6700P Nutrition

A. Carter announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss the evaluation of public employees that will end at 9:25pm. No action will be taken.

The board meeting reconvened into an open session at 9:25pm, and the chair announced that the executive session end time would be extended 15 minutes before returning to executive session.