Pullman School District
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday February 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Location
Paul R. Sturm Community/Board Room
Pullman High School
510 NW Greyhound Way
Pullman, WA 99163
Directors Present
Arron Carter, Craig Nelson, Deena Bayoumi, Lisa Waananen Jones, Stephanie Horn
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Bob Maxwell, Courtney Hodge, Diane Hodge, Juston Pollestad, Ryan Mulvey
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Flag Salute
D.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
E.
Approval of Agenda
II. Reports, Correspondence & Program
A.
PHS ASB Report
B.
Board Reports
- Stephanie Horn: shared plans to attend an upcoming staff meeting at Sunnyside Elementary School. They also reported spending significant time communicating with members of the community and expressed appreciation for those who reached out. The board member emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue and communication with the community.
- Deena Bayoumi: At Kamiak Elementary School, the annual fundraiser has begun and has already met its initial goals. Efforts are ongoing to have a new slide installed, and a Glow Party is scheduled for this Friday. The DEIB Task Force has set an April date for the next Community Connections event, which will include enrollment opportunities and a board listening session, aimed at maximizing community engagement; the event will be held at Pullman High School. The DARE Graduation was held last week, marking a successful celebration and collaboration with WSU. In legislative updates, House and Senate budget proposals have been released, with anticipated further cuts to K–12 education funding, including reductions to targeted programs such as TTK and dual credit.
- Craig Nelson: Attended the Franklin Elementary staff meeting where the superintendent presented.
- Lisa Waananen Jones: Shared information on various parent and family engagement events at Jefferson Elementary. Noted that Board Director Carter has initiated a potential joint city council meeting with the school board and also attended a city council meeting. An update from the Finance Committee was provided, specifically regarding the review of raising the minimum fund reserve balance as recommended. Noted that the OSPI report card data is now available online and will be brought to the Board for discussion. Community engagement regarding the superintendent’s contract was noted, along with a question about district improvements under the current leadership. Shared that, based on personal experience, when the Board has requested action, steps have been taken, and examples of successes were provided.
- Arron Carter: Attended the Lincoln Middle School spelling bee and assisted with LMS Boosters concessions during wrestling events. Attended the drama production Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Pullman High School and shared that students expressed strong appreciation for the programs and facilities, highlighting the community’s support. Plans were noted to meet with the PHS ASB to explore ways to better partner on the district’s strategic plan. Attended a Finance Committee meeting and provided background on the audit process, noting that while only two board members may attend the audit in person, the audit documents are shared with the entire Board. Upcoming interviews for the Assistant Principal position at PHS and the Elementary Principal position at Franklin Elementary School were mentioned, with a request for a board member to serve on each interview committee.
C.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent report:
- Provided a legislative update noting potential areas of impact for K-12 education.
- Highlights from PHS athletics and activities.
- Met with SEL K-12 program to discuss opportunities for partnership and the donation program.
D.
Program Reports
Boys and Girls Club Update by Jon Evans, Executive Director
Jon Evans provided an update on the organization’s partnership with the Pullman School District, noting that the club’s success is due in part to support from the District, School Board, and superintendent. The club continues to operate at two school sites, serving students with a range of programs that provide exposure to opportunities they might not otherwise experience. Enrollment, staffing, and student trends were reviewed, highlighting the positive impact of the programs. Evans also shared that the club recently hosted a successful first-time Dueling Pianos event and plans to host additional community events.
In response to a question about offering morning care on late-start Mondays, Evans explained that the first year focused on stabilizing operations, and the club is now exploring how to implement this option in collaboration with the District. He clarified that the club provides staffing while the District provides transportation and facilities, which helps reduce overhead costs.
Scholarships are available for students with financial need, and the staffing structure was outlined. Looking ahead, the club plans to continue meeting this year to develop a full-time operational plan and explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated facility, including pursuing 21st Century funding in partnership with the District to support program costs.
Graduation Requirements by Ryan Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent
Ryan Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update on potential adjustments to state graduation requirements. Currently, students must earn 24 core credits, with 17 required by the state and up to 2 credits that may be waived locally. Some graduation requirements, such as the Career Choices class for seniors, are locally mandated and may be reconsidered as optional. Proposed changes by the state include adding a financial literacy component, increasing Health and PE requirements, and increasing the state-required math credits.
Assistant Superintendent Mulvey noted that these changes could have staffing implications and emphasized the need for the district to remain flexible and prepared. The Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) has met, and new CTE courses at the high school are being proposed to create additional graduation pathways. Local graduation requirements will need to be reevaluated and modified to align with any newly adopted state requirements. A formal proposal is expected from the state in Spring 2026, with implementation planned for Fall 2027. Questions were raised regarding whether changes would be incremental or immediate, and funding expectations; Assistant Superintendent Mulvey indicated the changes would occur all at once, with funding for new course training provided if applicable. The district is also exploring cross-credit courses within the high school’s diverse CTE program.
E.
A Community of Belonging - Update
Board Director Bayoumi provided an update on the DEIB Task Force noting ongoing coordination and recruitment of various organizational partners for the Community Connections event. Additional details about the upcoming Family Fair will be shared as they become available.
III. Public Comment
A.
Speakers
Speaker: Corina Andersen
Topic(s): Renewing superintendent contract for another year.
Speaker: Pam Brantner
Topic(s): Positive impact of the superintendent on school community.
Speaker: Stephanie Bray
Topic(s): Board policy violations by school board members. Superintendent contract renewal.
Speaker: Kelsey Winnigham
Topic(s): Experience with superintendent.
Speaker: David Nails
Topic(s): Appreciation of superintendent.
Speaker: Nathalie Herrin
Topic(s): Lack of SAT testing at PHS, school transportation, hiring practices and staff turnover in PSD.
Speaker: Jessica Viergutz-Cavagnetto
Topic(s): Shared appreciation for getting PEP band to state and being acknowledged. Transportation and importance of crucial conversations.
Speaker: Diane Hodge
Topic(s): Superintendent contract renewal.
IV. Consent Agenda
A.
Minutes - February 11, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
B.
Personnel Report
C.
Warrants
D.
Student Transfer Requests
E.
ASB Fundraisers
F.
Overnight Field Trip Requests
G.
Budget Status Report
H.
Consent Agenda Approval
V. Action Items
A.
Superintendent Contract Renewal
Presenter: Board of Directors
Board Director Carter noted this takes place annually to extend the superintendent contract for a new 3- year cycle.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Craig Nelson |
No
|
| Stephanie Horn |
No
|
| Deena Bayoumi |
No
|
| Arron Carter |
Aye
|
| Lisa Waananen Jones |
Aye
|
VI. Discussion Items
A.
1101F1 Board Operating Protocols & 1101F2 Board Communication Protocols
Presenter: Board of Directors
Board Director Carter reported on revisions to Policy 1101F, noting efforts to reframe Protocol #9 in a more forward-thinking and positive manner. The changes were made to address previous ambiguities in tone and to provide clearer guidance.
VII. Executive Session
A.
Executive Session
A. Carter announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss the evaluation of public employees that will end at 8:20pm. No action will be taken.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
- Pullman High Graduation Reqs Presentation.pdf
- Board Report - 2.25.2026 Personnel.pdf
- CK Summaries 2.25.26.pdf
- Payroll Warrant Authorization Form_February 2026.pdf
- 2026 02.25 Regular Board Meeting - Student Transfer Requests.pdf
- ASB Fundraiser - PHS Orchestra_Charleston Wrap 2.25.26.pdf
- Overnight Field Trip Request - PHS Boys Soccer MAR 13-15 26.pdf
- Overnight Field Trip Request - PHS Knowledge Bowl MAR 20-21 26.pdf
- Overnight Field Trip Request - LMS Science Bowl APR 29-MAY 4 26.pdf
- January 2026 Budget Status Report.pdf
- Board Report - 2.11.2026 Personnel_Supt Contract.pdf
- ES 1101F_1101F2 Board Operating Protocols - Annual Review 2.25.26.pdf
- 1101F Board Operating Principles 2.25.26.pdf
- 1101F2 Board Communication Protocols 8.27.25.pdf
- February Administrative Requirements Update.pdf
- Expense Claim Audit Comm Update Schedule.pdf
- 2025-2026 Board Meeting Content Calendar REV 6.9.25.pdf
- 2025-26 Strategic Plan Goals_Priorities_Success Indicators.pdf
- 6635 Use of Charter-Commercial Buses 2.25.26.pdf
- 6635F Charter-Commercial Bus Request Form NEW 2.25.26.pdf
- 6635P Use of Charter-Commercial Buses NEW 2.25.26.pdf
The PHS ASB student representative provided an update on recent ASB activities: