The PHS ASB student representative provided an update on recent and upcoming ASB activities, including:

• Preparations for ASB executive elections and the upcoming class election season.
• The ASB constitution has been finalized and approved by students and will be brought forward for Board approval.
• Prom invitations have been distributed, with this year’s theme, “Vogue.” Additional details about the event were shared.
• Student representatives from the Pullman High School AAPI Club shared information about the upcoming Multicultural Night, an annual event that provides students the opportunity to showcase and celebrate diverse cultures. The event will include cultural tables, as well as a talent and fashion show, and is held in partnership with Washington State University.
  • In response to a question from Board Director Waananen Jones regarding attendance, students confirmed that the event is free and open to the entire community. They also noted their involvement in supporting the Jefferson Elementary Multicultural Night.

• Deena Bayoumi: Information was shared about the upcoming Community Connections event at Pullman High School, including appreciation for participating volunteers and community organizations. The event will support family engagement, student enrollment, and include a Board-hosted listening session. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen connections with school groups. An update was provided on the WSSDA model policy pilot, which invites individual Board member input on policy positions. Board members were directed to review materials sent via email, including guidance on submitting comments and the associated timeline. It was noted that proposed changes to policy positions—such as retiring, revising, combining, or introducing new positions—would require formal Board approval prior to submission.
• Craig Nelson: No report. 
• Lisa Waananen Jones: Reported on recent updates from Jefferson Elementary School, including the upcoming book fair and ongoing preparations for the school talent show.
  Highlighted the installation of a new outdoor water fountain over spring break, a project initiated through a student-led petition. The fountain, long discussed, is now complete and accessible to both students and the broader community. Noted a recent joint meeting between the School Board and City Council took place. Authored a follow-up article from that session for an upcoming issue of the Pullman Community Update.
• Arron Carter: Provided an overview of recent discussions between the School Board and City Council, highlighting areas of collaboration and potential partnership. Efforts are underway to prioritize next steps identified during that meeting. Reported that the audit exit interview has been completed and the final report was provided to the Board. There were no major findings, with identified areas of focus including ASB, time off reporting, and nutrition services.

• The District received its 10th consecutive clean audit and recognized Diane Hodge for her contributions to the process and associated awards.
• An update was provided on planned renovations to the SEL Wellbeing Center, scheduled from May 1 through October 1. The project will impact girls swim, with accommodations being coordinated in partnership with Washington State University.
• It was shared that 5th grade students will participate in swim safety instruction next week in preparation for Camp Wooten.
• Provided attendance percentages for elementary conferences along with an update on overall attendance rates for each school and Free/Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) percentages by school and district.
  • In response to a question from Board Director Bayoumi regarding the potential impact of legislation on FRPL numbers, it was noted that while families may be required to complete an alternative form that can be more challenging to collect, the District continues to emphasize the importance of completing school meal applications due to their impact on funding opportunities and access to student and family supports.

Mid-Winter Assessment Review

Presenter: Ryan Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent Mulvey presented mid-winter MAP Growth assessment results for grades K–5, comparing student performance from fall to winter. The MAP assessment is administered in grades 6–8; however, it is not used at the high school level due to reliability considerations at that level.

Results showed overall student growth in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, with increases in the percentage of students scoring in higher achievement bands. Areas identified for continued focus include reducing the number of students performing in lower percentile ranges, while also recognizing areas of celebration in growth across grade levels in both ELA and Math. MAP data will continue to be used to guide instructional planning and targeted student supports.

Board discussion included clarification that MAP results are reported in national percentiles, reflecting student performance relative to peers nationwide, and that teachers use the data at an individual student level to monitor progress. Board members inquired about cohort trends over time, with staff noting that longitudinal analysis can be conducted to identify patterns across year-to-year groups. Additional discussion highlighted upcoming opportunities to further review data at the School Board Retreat, as well as the use of LinkIt as an additional tool for analyzing trends over time.

• April 17: Multicultural Night event at PHS 
• April 22: Spring Family Fair event at PHS - Enrollment, Community Connections & Board Listening Session
• Board Director Carter provided an update on the DEIB Task Force, noting that there are currently vacancies. Applications for membership have closed, and the submissions will be forwarded to the Board for review and ranking. Recommendations for additional Task Force members will return to the Board at the next meeting for approval.
• April 24: SOCA Night event at LMS 

Speaker: Megan Itani

Topic(s): Ongoing investigation with ClearRisk. Local Coffee, Local People event featuring two school board members. Public records requests, board conduct, and Open Public Meetings Act. 

Speaker: Stephanie Bray

Topic(s): Violations of open public meetings act and Board conduct.

The following vouchers as audited and certified by the auditing officer, as required by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified, as required by RCW 42.24.090, are approved for payment. In addition, payroll warrants in the amount of $3,131,482.75 are also approved. 

Fund: Capital Projects 

Voucher numbers 252600151 through 252600151 totaling $475.15. 

Fund: ASB 

Voucher numbers 252600152 through 252600152 totaling $5,396.76. 

Voucher numbers 252600153 through 252600153 totaling $18,322.01. 

Voucher numbers 26737643 through 26737644 totaling $55.81. 

Voucher numbers 26737645 through 26737655 totaling $30,598.93. 

Fund: General

Voucher numbers 252600154 through 252600154 totaling $63,350.05. 

Voucher numbers 252600155 through 252600156 totaling $40.03. 

Voucher numbers 252600157 through 252600166 totaling $15,533.71. 

Voucher numbers 26737656 through 26737666 totaling $774.79. 

Voucher numbers 26737667 through 26737723 totaling $171,593.58. 

Payroll warrant numbers 26737604 through 26737642 totaling $3,131,482.75.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

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

Presenter: Evan Hecker, Pullman High School Assistant Principal/Athletics & Activities Director

The 2026-2027 Lincoln Middle School/Pullman High School Athletics & Activities Handbook has been revised and is presented to the board for review and feedback. Paper copies are also available upon request. Principal Hecker provided an overview of the major revisions to the handbook. 

Discussion included clarification that WIAA policies are aligned with Washington State law, and that district practices follow WIAA requirements. Principal Hecker reiterated that as a member of WIAA, the district’s policies must remain consistent with both WIAA regulations and state law.

Board members provided feedback on academic eligibility standards, including support for allowing students to have one failing grade without losing eligibility. This approach was noted as a way to encourage students to pursue more rigorous coursework while maintaining participation in athletics and keeping students engaged and connected to school.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The 2026-2027 Pullman Public Schools Family and Student Handbook has been revised and is presented to the board for review and feedback. The handbook is available on our district website and will be updated throughout the year, as needed, to reflect policy changes. Paper copies are also available upon request. 

Major Revisions:

• Updated school addendums, subject to change as staffing is finalized
• Revised Annual Notifications list
• Updates to policies and procedures as appropriate
• Updated Board of Directors information

Board discussion included a question regarding access to physical copies. Dr. Maxwell clarified that printed handbooks are available at all school main offices as well as the District Office.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

The Board, at the end of the school year, approves activities that will take place over the summer. In addition, notification of activities is a requirement of United Schools Insurance Program so that our insurance administrator is aware of summer activities. Only submitting activities for Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School.

• April

For 2025-2026 School Year 

Budgeted FTE: 2540 

Current FTE: 2599.85

Current Year Average FTE: 2627.52

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.