Change to the agenda:

• ASB Fundraisers - Added as consent agenda item

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

• The past two weeks have focused on TOLO and related activities. Funds raised from this event will support next year’s prom.
• The Equity Committee organized a “Blind Date with a Book” event in recognition of Valentine’s Day.
• Winter athletics seasons are underway, with several teams experiencing notable success; highlights were shared.
• Prom is the next major upcoming event.

• Stephanie Horn: Shared observations of the PLC process and expressed interest in exploring ways to highlight this work with the broader community. Noted a desire to continue observing the PLC process across all school buildings. Provided an update from the Curriculum Advisory Council (CAC) which  included new course offerings at PHS and the addition of new literature books. Appreciation was shared for community members who have reached out and engaged in the work. 
• Deena Bayoumi: Visited Sunnyside Elementary to observe PLC work in Kindergarten and 4th grade classrooms. Described the experience as highly informative and emphasized the importance of helping the community better understand the depth of effort and collaboration involved in the PLC process.. 
• Craig Nelson: Attended a Sustainability Committee meeting, where plans for roof replacements at FES and JES were discussed, including the installation of solar panels on various school/district buildings. The committee also explored using portions of existing property to establish Native Prairie area.
• Lisa Waananen Jones: Shared that the JES PTA met last week to outline plans for the spring. Appreciation was expressed for volunteers’ time and donations, and noted that there are still lots of opportunities for community involvement.

Provided an update on athletics, noting continued success among sports teams. Has been attending PTA, PTO, and booster meetings and encouraged community involvement. A legislative update was shared, with details available in the staff weekly report and community newsletter, emphasizing the importance of advocating for K–12 education.

Pullman High School Showcase - Visual/Performing Arts Report

Presenter: Jerrod Fleury, Pullman High School Principal

Pullman High School’s Drama Club performed an excerpt from their upcoming production of Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Advisor Andy Mielke, PHS Band, Choir, and Drama Teacher, provided background on the club and the production. Students shared what Drama Club means to them, and appreciation was expressed to the PHS Boosters Club and the community for their support.

Sunnyside Elementary Showcase

Presenter: Pam Brantner, Sunnyside Elementary Principal

Principal Brantner introduced Elementary Support Specialist Kelli Cox, who shared an overview of Sunnyside’s School Counseling Program. The presentation highlighted efforts to make counseling accessible to all students, including a student lounge, whole- and small-group instructional lessons, and targeted support based on data screener results. The greenhouse was also noted as a tool to engage and motivate students through gardening.

Nutrition Services Update

Presenter: Jessie Campbell, Nutrition Services Supervisor

Supervisor Campbell provided an update on the district’s Nutrition Services program, including information on unpaid meal balances, the school meal application process, and school meal pattern requirements—highlighting new guidelines to reduce added sugar and allow reduced-fat and whole milk options. Updates were also shared on the incorporation of scratch cooking equipment and recipes into school menus. Regarding the Farm-to-School program, it was noted that previous grant funding is no longer available, though some funds remain set aside to support local foods.

The DEIB Task Force is scheduled to meet next week. Superintendent Maxwell highlighted that NEWESD 101 will be hosting another equity summit and strongly recommended participation.

Speaker: Nathalie Herrin

Topic(s): District leadership, operations, and staffing. 

Speaker: Willma Fields

Topic(s): Superintendent contract extension. 

Speaker: Gabriel Wofford

Topic(s): Student wellness and holistic education. 

This item was presented at the last meeting and no questions have been received since it was last presented.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

This item, previously presented at the last meeting, received no additional questions since that time. One question was raised regarding flexibility of the 200-mile radius; it was clarified that flexibility would be allowed to ensure student participation in activities when all other options have been exhausted.

Presenter: Board of Directors

The board discussed the renewal and extension of the Superintendent’s contract through 2029. Board Director Waananen Jones provided an overview of the contract process, noting that annual review and renewal is built into the superintendent contract, with March 1 as the deadline for the board’s decision. It was clarified that this discussion is separate from the superintendent’s evaluation process.

Board members confirmed that the contract length and annual renewal are standard, and in recent years, the item has been presented as a discussion item rather than on the consent agenda. Appreciation was expressed for the evaluation process, which occurs in executive session and includes review of relevant criteria and evidence. The mid-year evaluation was recently completed, with the final evaluation scheduled for June.

• February

L. Waananen Jones announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss the evaluation of public employees that will end at 8:15pm. No action will be taken.