Changes to the agenda:

• Overnight Field Trip Request - PHS FFA - Added to consent agenda 

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

• Met with Director Carter to discuss ways to elevate student voice and strengthen collaboration aligned with the Pullman Promise.
• Meeting with Mayor Benjamin to learn more about opportunities for community involvement.
• Finalized updates to their constitution, highlighting several notable changes, and are preparing for upcoming ASB elections.
• Current and upcoming activities include a College Basketball March Madness bracket event and planning for the AAPI Multicultural Night on April 17.
• Working on developing club budgets with a focus on prioritizing student needs and interests.

• Stephanie Horn: Attended PLC meetings at Lincoln Middle School and plans to observe PLCs at each school, with follow-up visits later in the year. Emphasized the role of board members as liaisons for the entire community and the importance of continuing to listen to and engage with community members.
• Deena Bayoumi: No committee reports. Noted that the legislative session is nearing its conclusion, with Sine Die scheduled for tomorrow. Key items from the session impacting K–12 education were highlighted.
• Lisa Waananen Jones: Jefferson Elementary School hosted a successful literacy night. It was also noted that the Blue Route on Pullman Transit now includes a stop at Pullman High School, improving transportation access for families attending school events.
• Arron Carter: Lincoln Middle School recently held an awards night recognizing student achievements. Reported attending an introductory meeting with ASB to explore alignment with the district’s strategic plan and plan to continue participating in ASB meetings, bringing feedback back to the Board. Noted three resignations from the DEIB Task Force and discussed the process for filling those vacancies, with plans to work alongside the District Office to appoint new members. Acknowledged allegations regarding potential violations of policies and procedures. Shared that he has reached out to ClearRisk and are in the process of scheduling a meeting, with a timeline currently being developed. It was also noted that Franklin Elementary School principal interviews will take place on April 2, and Director Horn will serve on the interview committee.

• Reported that the food service program underwent a Provision 2 base year audit with no corrections required, highlighting the staff’s strong performance. 
• Spring sports are underway, and achievements from various clubs and activities at Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School were recognized.
• Regarding the Boys & Girls Club, noted a recent board meeting where they discussed the possibility of pursuing a 21st Century Grant in partnership with the district. Jon Evans, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, will gather more information, and the Board will consider whether to move forward. The Annual Boys & Girls Club fundraiser is planned for next month, with tickets available.
• Attended President Cantwell’s first of three breakfast meetings with community members to discuss Washington State University’s enrollment and retention efforts. There is interest from WSU to offer presentations to high school students to share information about WSU.
• Finally, a legislative update was provided, highlighting potential impacts on K–12 education.

Mentor/Mentee Program Report by Joni Stevens and Natalie Dobbins, Instructional Coaches and Annalisa Kiblen, Kindergarten Teacher

The board received an update on the Mentor/Mentee Program, including its goals, funding structure, focus areas (such as peer observations), program participation numbers, and areas for growth based on survey feedback. Challenges related to the district’s transient community and staff turnover were noted, along with next steps for program improvement.

Board members inquired about the observation structure and whether mentees are expected to become mentors. Coaches explained that observations occur by group and can be adjusted for those needing extra support or exposure to different instructional practices. Written, non-evaluative feedback is provided to support induction and retention, which are primary goals of the program.

It was also noted that while the program has existed for several years, it has been formally structured and led by the current coaching team for at least two years, resulting in improved focus and effectiveness.

Data Assessment Presentation by Lisa Waananen Jones, School Board Director

Director Waananen Jones provided an update on district data using information from the OSPI 2025–26 Report Card, highlighting data aligned with the Board’s goals. She also shared data from the Washington State Open Data website, including teacher experience and other school-level information. Assessment data through 2024–25 and personnel summary reports were noted as available on the OSPI Report Card. This presentation was intended as a starting point for ongoing discussions and potential regular sharing of data with the community.

No update. 

Speaker: Corina Andersen

Topic(s): Corrections to previous remarks about the extension of the superintendent's contract.

Speaker: Megan Itani

Topic(s): Recent school board actions around the superintendent contract decision.

Speaker: Michael Todd

Topic(s):  Representative of Regional Theater of the Palouse - Collaboration between Pullman High School's drama program and the Regional Theater of the Palouse

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The Board discussed the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Pullman, which formalizes shared use of School District facilities, including Military Hill Park and Sunnyside Gym, to support community access while aligning with the District’s educational mission. Terms of the agreement remain the same but have been streamlined. Clarifications were provided regarding Military Hill Park and baseball fields (Quann and Upper Quann).

Presenter: Diane Hodge, Finance Director

Diane Hodge, Finance Director, presented on behalf of the Finance Committee, recommending an increase of the District’s General Fund minimum balance from 7.5% to 10% of annual expenditures to strengthen financial stability. The recent audit showed only 32 days of operating reserves, below the recommended 60-day benchmark, limiting the District’s ability to manage revenue delays or unexpected expenses.

Increasing the minimum balance to 10% will:

• Maintain adequate cash flow and improve operating reserves
• Reduce reliance on reserves for timing differences
• Demonstrate proactive fiscal stewardship
• Provide capacity to manage enrollment changes, funding fluctuations, and rising costs

The adjustment aligns with best-practice guidelines and state recommendations of 10–12%. Board discussion noted that reserves fluctuate throughout the year, but maintaining at least 10% ensures the District can cover payroll, accounts payable, and emergency expenditures without borrowing.

Presenter:

• Cameron Grow, Lincoln Middle School Principal
• Jerrod Fleury, Pullman High School Principal

The Board reviewed the 2026–2027 fee schedules for Lincoln Middle School (LMS) and Pullman High School (PHS).

• LMS: 
  • No changes from 2025–26. ASB Card remains $30.
• PHS:
  • Skills USA Computer Science/Engineering Club fee increased from $20 to $30 to reflect state membership and regional competition costs.
  • JSA renamed to Politics and Debate Club; fee decreased from $20 to $5.
  • Senior GSL $0 listing removed.
  • Art class fee increased from $20 to $25; Art Club remains $20.

Discussion included class- and club-linked fees, compliance with HB 1660 requiring fee waivers for students eligible for free/reduced lunch, and that approximately 30% of students currently qualify, with potential underreporting. The district absorbs fees for eligible students to ensure access to all classes and clubs.

Presenter:

• Cameron Grow, Lincoln Middle School Principal
• Jerrod Fleury, Pullman High School Principal

The Board reviewed the course guides for Lincoln Middle School (LMS) and Pullman High School (PHS). There are no changes to the LMS course guide for 2026–2027.

New Courses at PHS:

• Careers in Healthcare: Partnership with the hospital.
• Interior Design: Added based on student interest; supports diverse graduation pathways.
• College Statistics: Offers college credit; aims to retain students who might otherwise take Running Start.

Previously Offered Courses:

• Sports Medicine I: Continued partnership with the hospital; high student engagement.
• Earth and Space: Increased rigor allows offering in 11th grade (previously only 9th grade).

College in High School Credit:

• World Literature and Composition

Changes to the PHS course guide were highlighted, emphasizing scheduling driven by student interest. Board discussion noted minimum enrollment for courses is generally 25–28 students, with 32 considered ideal. New courses are designed as semester courses to provide flexibility for student schedules.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

Each year, the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) requires that the board approve our district’s membership in the WIAA annually. The WIAA oversees and regulates interschool athletic activities and other interschool extracurricular activities of an athletic, cultural, social, or recreational nature for students in the district.

A. Carter announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss the evaluation of public employees that will end at 8:45pm. No action will be taken. 

The board meeting reconvened into an open session at 8:45pm, and the chair announced that the executive session end time would be extended 60 minutes before returning to executive session.