Pullman School District

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday March 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Location

Paul R. Sturm Community/Board Room

Pullman High School

510 NW Greyhound Way

Pullman, WA 99163

Directors Present

Amanda Tanner, Arron Carter, Craig Nelson, Lisa Waananen Jones, Nathan Roberts

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Bob Maxwell, Courtney Hodge, Diane Hodge, Juston Pollestad, Roberta Kramer

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Nathan Roberts called a meeting of the board of directors of Pullman School District to order on Wednesday Mar 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

C.

Flag Salute

D.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

E.

Approval of Agenda

Changes to the agenda:

  • Payroll Warrant Authorization - added as consent agenda item
  • FFA Ag Issues Presentation was removed from the agenda as a program report
Arron Carter made a motion to approve the agenda as amended.
Craig Nelson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Reports, Correspondence & Program

A.

PHS ASB Report

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

  • Working on end of year planning and the ASB constitution was revised. 
  • AAPI Club is hosting Multicultural Night on April 18th at 6:30pm.
  • ASB is working with PHS Environmental Club on their Earth Day celebration.
  • Election season begins on Friday, March 28. Provided an overview of the election timeline.

B.

Board Reports

  • Craig Nelson: No report. 
  • Lisa Waananen Jones: JES had successful Family Engineering Night. 
  • Arron Carter: Attended District's Finance Committee meeting, where updates were reviewed. There were minimal changes to report at this time, though the next meeting is expected to involve a more in-depth discussion. The survey shared at the recent Community Listening Session has been distributed and is currently being presented at staff meetings. Additionally, the walking path near the high school was discussed as a point of interest. The district has expressed its preference for the path to remain open.
  • Amanda Tanner: No report. 
  • Nathan Roberts: No report. 

C.

Superintendent's Report

  • Provided a legislative update, including testimony on several bills and a review of proposed tax legislation. Ongoing uncertainty remains at the federal level, particularly concerning potential impacts on school nutrition services. The state legislative session is currently scheduled to conclude on April 27, though this date is subject to change. The district will continue monitoring developments and keeping stakeholders informed.
  • Update on Pathway: The pathway from Robert Road to Pullman High School is located on private property and is not owned by the school district. The land has been slated for development for the past several years. The district submitted comments during the permitting process and noted that an easement requirement exists on the property. The superintendent met with one of the developers, who has agreed to allow temporary access to the pathway through the end of the school year. Discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of permanent access, although the district cannot require this. A follow-up meeting with the developers is scheduled to explore long-term solutions. The temporary access is expected to open tomorrow.
  • The Budget Input Survey has been released and will remain open through Friday, March 28. The district will consolidate and publish the results for public review.
  • Aquatic Center: The district received a generous proposal from Dr. Schweitzer to purchase and operate the Aquatic Center, while continuing to allow district use of the facility. The superintendent expressed interest in reviewing this proposal further and will bring a formal update to the board at a future meeting.
  • National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) Recognition and the district's new NBCT Cohort Overview provided by Dr. Kramer: The NBCT Cohort is facilitated by two teachers in the district with three teachers currently engaged in the cohort. Title IV funds are used for stipends for those teachers engaged. Unsure on what will happen with the funds at the state level that are used to support this program. 
  • Recognized March 17-21, 2025, as School Retiree Appreciation Week
  • Provided attendance percentages for elementary conferences along with the attendance rates for each school from 8/25/2024-3/24/2025 and the Free/Reduced Price Lunch percentages by school/district.

D.

Program Reports

Kamiak Elementary Showcase presented by Evan Hecker, Kamiak Elementary Principal

Kamiak Elementary School has been recognized as a 2024-2025 Washington State ESEA Distinguished School for Exceptional Student Performance and Academic Growth. This national recognition highlights the school's strong commitment to student achievement through collaborative teaching, targeted professional development, personalized student support, and strong school-community partnerships. The award includes a $15,000 grant to further enhance student learning. To celebrate this achievement, fifth-grade students from Kamiak, along with Principal Hecker were present to share why they think Kamiak is a distinguished school to highlight the impact of this recognition.

 

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

The Asset Preservation Program (APP) presentation outlines 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.

 

Recent assessments show Pullman High School (PHS) scored exceptionally well (97.86%), while Jefferson, Franklin, and Sunnyside Elementary Schools have areas needing attention, including HVAC, roofing, lighting, and parking. Future improvement plans will focus on aging HVAC systems, roofing, asphalt, and structural concerns at multiple sites. This update keeps the board informed on facility conditions and necessary maintenance priorities.

 

AT: When do we stop investing in SES, and build a new school?

Bob: We look at bond capacity, generally once a bond drops off then we think about picking up a new one. The district did purchase 60 acres of property for future planning. SES has moisture issues and is land locked into that site. There are also two other buildings that were built around the same time. Working to try and plan that out. Working on phasing those out on a long term plan. Looking at 2032 for a bond. 

 

The board discussed the future of Sunnyside Elementary (SES), which has moisture issues and is landlocked. The district owns 60 acres for future school construction and is targeting 2032 for a bond. Planning would ideally begin by 2030 to allow time for design work before bond approval. Board members also noted that bond refunding will drop off in 2032, creating an opportunity for new projects. The District must also consider, as part of the planning process, that there are two elementary schools that were built around the same time.  

 

It was clarified that a “poor” facility rating signals risk but not imminent failure. The district is actively monitoring conditions, pursuing grant opportunities—including Small Schools Modernization Grants—and implementing measures to sustain aging buildings.

 

Report: Administrative Intern Projects presented by Roberta Kramer, Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Roberta Kramer, Assistant Superintendent, introduced Marki Bouffiou, a 4th grade teacher currently completing an administrative intern project at Sunnyside Elementary. Marki provided an update on projects, including leading the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) structure at the school.

 

Report: Curriculum Adoption Update presented by Roberta Kramer, Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Kramer provided a Curriculum Adoption Update that included an overview of the district’s curriculum adoption timeline across subject areas. It highlighted the most recent updates in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Social Studies, Science, World Languages, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for elementary, middle, and high schools. Notable updates include recent adoptions in math (2022-2024), social studies (2019-2024), and world languages (2023), while some areas, like elementary social studies (2006) and middle school ELA (2006), are due for review. The high school uses a lot of supplementary materials at that level, so while the last adoption was also in 2006, there isn't a need for an adoption at this time. Could look at a rolling adoptions for elementary social studies and middle school ELA. 

 

The board emphasized the importance of updating curriculum materials that have not been reviewed since 2006, particularly in middle school English Language Arts (ELA) and elementary social studies. Dr. Kramer recommended beginning the middle school ELA adoption process as soon as possible and suggested the possibility of a rolling adoption model to help manage financial constraints. Board members acknowledged the challenges posed by limited funding, especially for science curriculum, which has traditionally relied on federal grants that are now decreasing. Mystery Science continues to be used effectively at the elementary level. Director Nelson noted the significance of social studies in shaping student understanding, even though it is not part of state testing, underscoring the need to prioritize its review and adoption.

E.

Equity & Belonging Update

  • A survey was deployed by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force before elementary conferences which has seen some great participation. The taks force will be reviewing results at the next meeting in April. 
  • Reminder, that AAPI Club's Multicultural Night is coming up in April 18 and is in partnership with WSU. 

III. Public Comment

A.

Public Comment Speakers

No public comment.

IV. Consent Agenda

A.

Minutes - March 12, 2025 Regular Board Meeting

Amanda Tanner made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 03-12-25.
Lisa Waananen Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Minutes - March 19, 2025 Community Listening Session & Board Work Session

Amanda Tanner made a motion to approve the minutes from Community Listening Session & Board Work Session on 03-19-25.
Lisa Waananen Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Personnel Report

D.

Professional/Personal Services Contracts

E.

Warrants

F.

Student Transfer Requests

G.

Budget Status Report

H.

2025 Pullman High School ASB Constitution

I.

Consent Agenda Approval

Amanda Tanner made a motion to approve the consent agenda (Item IV. A-H).
Lisa Waananen Jones seconded the motion.

Director Nelson had some questions who to contact about some grammar issues contained within the Pullman High School ASB Constitution. It was noted that non-substantive changes can be submitted to Erin Willy and then the document can be brought back as an informational item at a future board meeting.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Action Items

A.

2025-2026 Lincoln Middle School & Pullman High School Fee Schedules

This item was presented at the last meeting. Annually the Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School fee schedules are presented to the board for approval.

Craig Nelson made a motion to approve the 2025-26 LMS and PHS Fee Schedules.
Amanda Tanner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

2025-2026 Lincoln Middle School & Pullman High School Course Approvals

This item was presented at the last meeting. Annually course offerings require action by the Board of Directors.

Arron Carter made a motion to approve the 2025-26 Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School course approvals.
Craig Nelson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Resolution 25-26:02 - 2025-2026 Annual WIAA Membership

This item was presented at the last meeting. Each year, the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) requires that the board approve our district’s membership in the WIAA. 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.

Arron Carter made a motion to approve Resolution 25-26:02 - 2025-2026 Annual WIAA Membership.
Craig Nelson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Executive or Closed Session

A.

Executive Session

N. Roberts announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss personnel and to discuss with legal counsel litigation or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) that will end at 8:00pm

VII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nathan Roberts