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

• An overview of the major revisions to the PHS constitution.
• Prom and other various student activities.
• An update on class ASB elections. 
• A note that there will be a transition in the Chief of Staff who provides board reports on behalf of ASB.
   

• Stephanie Horn: Visited Franklin Elementary to meet with Interim Principal Bill Holman and observe the 2nd grade PLC process. Shared updates from the recent CAC meeting, including discussions regarding implementation of high school tools for special education and updates to world literature instructional materials.
• Deena Bayoumi: Joined the kindergarten and 2nd grade PLC work at Jefferson Elementary School and shared that the experience was very informative. An update was also provided about Kamiak Elementary, including recent music concerts and the departure of 5th grade students for their outdoor education camp experience.
• Craig Nelson: Met with staff at Jefferson Elementary regarding the outdoor learning lab developed in partnership with Phoenix Conservancy and highlighted the outdoor education opportunities taking place. Participated in the blood drive at Lincoln Middle School and noted that the partnering organization is planning to provide $15,000 to the schools in recognition of their partnership and participation in the blood drives.
• Lisa Waananen Jones: Provided an update from the Jefferson Elementary School PTA regarding planning for end-of-year activities and expressed appreciation for the volunteers helping make those events possible. Highlighted volunteer opportunities within the district’s parent groups and encouraged community members to get involved.
• Arron Carter: Shared that spring athletics and activities are finishing up across the district. Graduation practice is scheduled for June 5, with commencement ceremonies taking place on June 6, and Board Members were encouraged to plan to arrive early. Also noted that review of the Board self-assessment, originally scheduled for the May work session, will instead take place during the upcoming Board retreat due to board member travel schedules and additional time needed by Washington State School Directors' Association. Noted that he and Board Director Waananen Jones, who serve as Board representatives on the Finance Committee, participated in interviews for the district’s next Finance Director. The hiring process is continuing to move forward through the next stages.

• Shared the school(s) in Pullman School District that are being recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for performance during the 2024-2025 school year. 
• Highlighted the great things happening with sports teams. 
• Noted The Rock Show was last week and drama productions continue this week. 
• $10,000 PEF Innovation Grant Award goes to Sunnyside Elementary for their Gardening Learning Lab. PEF also gave $1,000 to LMS music program to get a 3D printer to make replacement music parts. 
• Important Dates: 
  • August, Kiwanis Stuff the Bus. 
  • PHS Boosters have set the Auction Date of October 10th at SEL Event Center. 

Report: Maintenance/Facilities/Asset Preservation Program presented by Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

The Asset Preservation Program (APP) presentation outlined the district’s approach to maintaining school facilities for long-term sustainability. As an OSPI-mandated system, APP ensures efficient facility upkeep to protect public investment, extend building lifespan, maximize taxpayer dollars, and support sustainability goals. The program requires annual inspections, facility condition ratings (FCRs), and long-term maintenance plans, with non-compliance potentially impacting future state funding. Director Pollestad provided an overview of the recent facility condition ratings for each of our school buildings and future plans for improvements.

Discussion included the expected lifespan and timing of major capital projects, including roof replacements at Franklin Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, which are anticipated to remain functional for additional decades with planned maintenance. The district also noted long-term considerations for Sunnyside Elementary School, including the potential for significant renovation or replacement depending on future assessments. Director Pollestad emphasized a continued focus on scheduling major construction and maintenance projects during summer months when possible to minimize disruption, while noting that some projects (such as solar installations) may occur during the school year with limited impact. Parking lot improvements were also identified as typical summer project work.

Skyward Qmlativ Migration Process presented by Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

The Board received a presentation regarding the district’s upcoming transition from Skyward SMS to the new Skyward Qmlativ platform, scheduled for July 2026. Dr. Maxwell shared the reasons for the statewide migration and also outlined the year-long preparation process, staff training plans, important summer transition dates, and communication efforts to support families and employees throughout the migration process.

Board discussion included confirmation that transition dates have been provided to the district. In response to questions, it was noted that families with questions may contact the District Office or access information on the district website. It was also shared that the district has engaged with other districts that have already completed the migration to gather feedback and lessons learned to inform implementation planning.

• No update from the DEIB Task Force. 
• Noted the Annual Multicultural Night and SOCA Night took place this school year.

Speaker: Corina Andersen

Topic(s): Public comment included concerns regarding meeting preparedness, questions about the status of the salary schedule not being passed, and inquiries about whether DEB [Diversity, Equity, Belonging Task Force] positions have been filled.

Board Clarification - A. Carter: Action item on agenda to approve DEIB task force appointments. Board members have met with some administrators. 

Speaker: Kelly Laird

Topic(s): Public comment expressed concerns regarding school board actions, referenced a Clear Risk investigation, and raised issues related to public records, superintendent contract proceedings, and delays in approving salary schedules.

Speaker: Pam Brantner

Topic(s): Public comment included reference to a letter circulating regarding principal compensation and leave, with the speaker addressing perceived errors in the information provided.

Speaker: Lexi Brantner

Topic(s): Public comment addressed concerns regarding an administrator contract proposal, including workload, burnout, and recruitment of qualified administrative candidates.

Speaker: Amanda Tanner

Topic(s): Public comment included an update from the Sunnyside Elementary School PTO, including a recap of recent spring PTO events and identification of the incoming board members for the upcoming school year.

Speaker: Stephanie Newman

Topic(s): Public comment from the Vice President of the Sunnyside Elementary School PTO highlighted PTO updates aligned with the school’s vision, including a Gardening Learning Lab supported by a Pullman Education Foundation grant, recognition of the PLC process contributing to Washington School Recognition Program 2024-25 honors, and participation in Disney Musicals in Schools for next year.

Speaker: Megan Itani

Topic(s): Public comment referenced a Clear Risk Solutions investigation initiated by the district and provided an update on the report that was obtained through a public records request.

Speaker: Joni Stevens

Topic(s): Questioned board conduct in decision-making processes.

Speaker: Carrie Ben-Yisrael

Topic(s): Public comment included concerns regarding a non-continuing contract decision, feedback on the decision-making process, and comments related to representation and support for marginalized communities.

Speaker: Zulekha Khamisi

Topic(s): Provided comment on Shiari McNeil not being renewed and the impact of that decision. 

Speaker: Johanna Brown

No comment provided; speaker yielded time.

Speaker: Mabel Matey

Topic(s): Provided comment on Shiari McNeil not being renewed and the impact of that decision. 

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. 

Fund: Capital Projects 

Voucher numbers 252600178 through 252600178 totaling $278.65

Voucher numbers 26737834 through 26737835 totaling $5,333.08

Fund: ASB 

Voucher numbers 252600171 through 252600171 totaling $1,558.49

Voucher numbers 252600172 through 252600172 totaling $15,571.37

Voucher numbers 252600173 through 252600173 totaling $2,226.97

Voucher numbers 252600174 through 252600175 totaling $20.97

Voucher numbers 26737810 through 26737813 totaling $2,065.00

Voucher numbers 26737814 through 26737822 totaling $14,894.02

Voucher numbers 26737823 through 26737823 totaling $172.82

Fund: General

Voucher numbers 252600174 through 252600175 totaling $45,737.56

Voucher numbers 252600176 through 252600177 totaling $38.21

Voucher numbers 252600179 through 252600188 totaling $8,999.65

Voucher numbers 26737825 through 26737833 totaling $1,310.70

Voucher numbers 26737836 through 26737867 totaling $93,371.22

Fund: Debt Service

Voucher numbers 26737824 through 26737824 totaling $1,050.00

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

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

Presenter: Board of Directors

The Board of Directors discussed the appointment of members to the open positions on the district's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force. There were 3 applicants who applied to serve as the Disability Awareness/Access/Inclusion representative. Rachel Perreten emerged as the top applicant for that position based on the feedback provided by the Board. 

Presenter: Board of Directors

Discussed ideas last week. Make formal action to move forward to be able to reach out the City. 

1) Make space for each organizations in different meetings (have formal presentations to stay informed)

2) Student connections: How to get student activities in community more

3) Explore about Welcoming Committee and find ways to partner with them.

Presenter: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

A draft of the 2026-2027 Board Meeting Schedule is presented for consideration. Meeting dates mimic the schedule followed in 2025-2026 (board work sessions are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month, and board meetings are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in the month). Due to the scheduling of Spring Break there is no April work session. The months of November and December differ to accommodate the school and holiday schedule. Note that the dates for the education showcase and the WSSDA regional meetings have not been determined yet.

During discussion, a board member asked about the process for adding topics for future reports. It was clarified that requests should be shared with the board president for planning purposes, and that while the schedule includes planned reports, additional topics can be added as needed. It was also noted that program report timing is aligned with when relevant data becomes available.

Presenter: Diane Hodge, Finance Director

A General Fund budget extension for 2025–26 was presented due to increased expenditures in Running Start and Special Education. The original budget of $44,541,325 would be increased to $45,611,695, an extension of $1,070,370, to ensure sufficient expenditure authority and support year-end closing. A public hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2026.

The primary drivers include Running Start costs, including a prior-year billing of approximately $250,000 after WSU students were not initially included in enrollment reporting, resulting in total Running Start costs of about $480,000. The second factor is Special Education, where enrollment exceeded the budgeted 396 FTE, with actual enrollment closer to 440 FTE, increasing staffing and service costs.

Administrators clarified that the extension does not provide additional discretionary funds, but rather aligns spending authority with actual obligations and reimbursement processes. It was also noted that the request is being brought forward earlier due to the Skyward Qmlativ system migration and associated system blackout period. The fiscal year ends August 31, and actual final expenditures are not yet known, with a year-end report to be provided to the Board.

For 2025-2026 School Year 

Budgeted FTE: 2540 

Current FTE: 2593.85

Current Year Average FTE: 2623.56

A. Carter announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss the evaluation of public employees that will end at 9:15pm. No action will be taken.