• Resolution 24-25:09 Sale of Surplus Real Property – Added as discussion item
• Negotiations – Added to Executive Session
• ASB Fundraiser – PHS Football – Added as consent agenda item
 

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

• The 2025-26 ASB president was introduced.
• The PHS ASB student representative also introduced the incoming Pullman High School Principal, Jerrod Fleury. Principal Fleury introduced himself to the Board of Directors.
• ASB class office elections underway.
• Students will attend leadership camp to meet with ASB groups from across the state.
• Executive board is in place and excited for next year.
• Provided a statement about the transition of Athletics Director, Wendy Kruger and spoke in favor of retaining Wendy Kruger in the position of Athletics and Activities Director for PHS. 

• Craig Nelson: Attended the Multicultural Night event at Pullman High School and provided a brief overview of the evening's activities and highlights. Also spent time reading and responding to constituent messages and expressed appreciation for the feedback received.
• Lisa Waananen Jones: Attended Multicultural Night at Pullman High School and shared highlights from the impressive event. Also attended Jefferson Elementary School’s “Jefferson’s Got Talent” and Arts Night, and provided highlights from that event as well.
• Arron Carter: Attended the Finance Committee meeting, where the primary discussion centered on the upcoming loss of Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding due to the state now identifying the district as property rich. The committee is actively working on strategies to address this gap in the budget. The Finance Committee continues to meet monthly in preparation for the development of the final budget.
• Nathan Roberts: No report. 

The School Board presented the 2025 Dedicated Teaching Team Recognition Award to the Kamiak Elementary Fifth Grade Team (Team members: Meghan McKeirnan, Isayah Quitugua, and Emily Poston). Principal Evan Hecker shared the letter nominating the Kamiak team and congratulated them as this year’s recipients of the award.

Board Communication Plan: The plan was reviewed and there were no updates needed. 

Assistant Superintendent Roberta Kramer and Finance Director Diane Hodge provided a fiscal update following the conclusion of the legislative session, noting that the outcomes were not as favorable as hoped. While there was a slight increase in special education funding, the overall financial outlook remains challenging. They highlighted widespread staff reductions across K–12 education statewide and noted that WSU is also facing budget cuts. Potential reductions in federal funding—of which the district receives over $1 million—pose a concern due to their instability. In response, the district has implemented nonessential spending limits and left some positions unfilled or filled through attrition. Community feedback has prioritized maintaining teacher quality and small class sizes, with extracurriculars and administration identified as lower priorities. They emphasized that declining state support for basic education, increasing insurance and utility costs, and the financial burden on taxpayers through levies are creating pressure on local budgets. Staffing levels will need to be reevaluated moving forward; however, the district has so far been successful in offering roles to employees whose positions are being eliminated, which is not the case in many other districts.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Task Force Update presented by Stephany RunningHawk Johnson, Task Force Chair & Cheyenne Webber, Task Force Co-Chair

The DEIB Task Force shared results from the “Shaping Community Efforts in Pullman Schools” survey, which received 454 responses, including 386 from students. The survey helped evaluate the effectiveness of current DEIB efforts and identify areas for growth. Based on student feedback, disability awareness and inclusion emerged as a key area of improvement, and the Task Force recommends adding a member with expertise in this area. The Task Force also proposed a new “Community Connections” initiative—monthly district-hosted events connecting families with local organizations to improve equitable access to services. Meeting notes are available on the district website under Committees > DEIB Task Force.

Director Roberts noted the process for the task force to request approval for their recommendations. Director Nelson added that the task force meets monthly.  

• Franklin Elementary Showcase by Kathi Keefer, Franklin Elementary Principal
  • Principal Keefer introduced Chris Lippay, Franklin 4th grade teacher, to highlight the Fourth Grade Marketplace project at Franklin Elementary. "Marketplace" is a standards based experience that serves as an economics simulation designed to help students understand the principles of economic systems and entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. Chris Lippay provided an overview of the project.
• Report: Digital Citizenship by Kristen Coke-Sutton, District Librarian
  • Kristen provided an overview of Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy in PSD libraries and what school libraries look like today, in the digital age. Noted that Pullman Education Foundation provides funds for the district to purchase the YRCA books that are provided to students. Noted that the district is lacking in access to audiobooks, working on implementing SORA Reading App for schools. 
• Report: Sustainability Committee Update - ZEN Solar Presentation by Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations
  • Director Pollestad shared highlights from Earth Week activities across the district and reported on committee priorities and initiatives. Student input is being gathered to ensure alignment with current interests, particularly in support of a composting program at the high school. 
  • The board received a presentation from David Funk, a representative of Zero Emissions Northwest (ZEN), outlining a proposal for a community solar project. The presentation included an overview of the company and details of the proposed project, which would involve installing solar panels at Franklin, Jefferson, and Kamiak Elementary Schools, Lincoln Middle School, Pullman High School, and the Whitman County Transportation Cooperative. The representative shared a projected timeline and discussed the potential financial benefits for the district. In response to Director Waananen Jones, the representative clarified that while ZEN focuses on the communities it serves—primarily rural areas—districts like Harrington and Freeman are already implementing similar projects, and Pullman would be one of the largest district to do so if it moves forward.

Speaker: Denise Thompson

Topic: A mental and behavioral health counselor and advisor for Greyhounds Minds Matter spoke in support of the value of athletics and activities in the high school experience. The speaker expressed concern about the recent reassignment of the Athletics/Activities Director position and advocated for maintaining Wendy Kruger in that role. They emphasized the importance of dedicated leadership for athletic programs and shared concerns about the challenges of combining the Athletics/Activities Director position with that of an assistant principal.

Speaker: Haylee Fishback

Topic: A head girls bowling and softball coach, as well as a physical education teacher at Franklin Elementary, spoke in support of maintaining Wendy Kruger in the standalone Athletics Director position. The speaker expressed concerns about the recent reassignment and highlighted the importance of dedicated leadership for the district’s athletic programs. They also shared concerns about the challenges of merging the Athletics Director role with the assistant principal position.

Speaker: Angie Barbour

Topic: A teacher at Lincoln Middle School and coach for the Girls Basketball team at Pullman High School spoke in support of maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the value of athletics and activities in students’ lives and drew on prior coaching experience in other districts to express support for keeping the Athletics/Activities Director as a standalone position. They also noted the statewide recognition Wendy Kruger has received for her work.

Speaker: Kelly Stewart

Topic: A parent of two high school student-athletes and one middle school athlete, as well as a volunteer softball coach, spoke in support of maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the importance of athletics and activities for students and expressed concern that the elimination of the standalone position would create a gap in support for volunteers and reduce accountability within the athletic programs.

Speaker: Cori Stewart

Topic: A senior at Pullman High School and member of the PHS softball team expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker highlighted that athletic director positions are traditionally male-dominated and emphasized that having a female in a leadership role is inspiring for students.

Speaker: Amy Caessens

Topic: A teacher and coach in Pullman School District, with experience working under previous athletic directors, expressed support for reinstating Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker noted that Wendy Kruger embodies the Pullman Promise to put students first, fosters an environment of inclusion and sportsmanship, and helps develop leadership skills in students. They also highlighted the service award received by Wendy Kruger.

Speaker: Harper Gay

Topic: A senior at Pullman High School, involved in softball, FFA, and cheerleading, expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the importance of athletics and activities in providing valuable opportunities for students.

Speaker: Marcus Crossler

Topic: A former head coach for the Pullman High School wrestling team shared highlights of the positive impact under Wendy Kruger’s leadership and emphasized her positive qualities. The speaker expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director, stressing the importance of athletics and activities in providing opportunities for students. They also noted the importance of the district being accountable to its stakeholders.

Speaker: Scott Randall

Topic: A Pullman resident, taxpayer, parent, and teacher expressed support for maintaining the standalone Athletics/Activities Director position. The speaker shared concerns about the recent reassignment of the position and emphasized the need for dedicated leadership for the district’s athletic programs. They highlighted the challenges of combining the Athletics Director role with the assistant principal position and noted the service award received by Wendy Kruger. The speaker requested that the decision to merge the positions be reversed.

Speaker: Jeff Elbracht

Topic: A Pullman resident and parent, who has served as a coach and official, expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the importance of athletics and activities in providing opportunities for students and shared concerns about the challenges of combining the Athletics Director role with the assistant principal position.

Speaker: Scott Thompson

Topic: The speaker emphasized the importance of putting students first and minimizing the impact on students as guiding principles for the budget. They expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director, highlighting her tireless advocacy for connecting students to athletics and activities, which is vital for their continued success. The speaker also noted that Wendy Kruger embodies the cultural beliefs of the district.

Speaker: Jill Elbracht

Topic: The speaker expressed concerns about merging the Athletics Director role and responsibilities with the assistant principal position. They shared support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director, emphasizing the importance of athletics and activities in providing opportunities for students. The speaker also raised concerns about the mental health and social-emotional well-being of students and staff, particularly in light of staffing reductions and fewer opportunities for students. They cautioned that without further exploration of this issue, there could be adverse outcomes.

Speaker: Mike Hinz

Topic: Longtime supporter of Pullman Schools and parent of students who attended Pullman Schools shared their perspective on the complexity of the Athletics/Activities Director (AD) role. As a member of the Track and Field Hall of Fame and having experienced six different Athletic Directors in Pullman Schools, they emphasized the importance of maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director.

Speaker: Shannon Wilson

Topic: The current Athletics Director/Assistant Principal at Clarkston High School shared insights into the challenges of combining the Athletics Director role with the assistant principal position, particularly with the addition of discipline responsibilities. They praised Wendy Kruger as the best of the last three ADs for Pullman Schools and advocated for maintaining the Athletics/Activities Director position as a standalone role. The speaker also noted that combining the roles did not appear to yield significant cost savings and highlighted Wendy Kruger's strong recognition by her peers in the Greater Spokane League (GSL).

Speaker: Ed Tingstad

Topic: A physician and surgeon in the community, who coordinates the athletic medicine program, expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the importance of athletics and activities in providing opportunities for students and cautioned that actions threatening the health of students could lead to a loss of trust in the organization, which in turn could create distrust within the community.

Speaker: Cody Wendt

Topic: The head boys tennis coach at Pullman High School, who has served under Wendy Kruger for half of their coaching career, expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker highlighted the importance of athletics and activities for students and noted the establishment and fostering of various traditions that are significant to both students and coaches. They shared examples of their experience coaching under Wendy Kruger’s leadership and emphasized her various leadership qualities.

Speaker: Anna Engle

Topic: A parent of student-athletes at Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the importance of athletics and activities for students and the positive impact they have. They noted that the regulations surrounding athletics require full-time oversight and shared concerns about the responsibilities being shifted to the assistant principal role. The speaker urged the board to reconsider the termination of Wendy Kruger's position.

Speaker: Aika Young

Topic: A junior at Pullman High School and a member of the PHS softball team expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker highlighted the importance of athletics and activities for students and the positive impact they have. They also shared appreciation for Wendy Kruger and the way she has served students at Pullman High School.

Speaker: Hadlee Zuercher

Topic: A junior at Pullman High School involved in athletics and clubs expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker shared examples of the positive impact Wendy Kruger has had on students at PHS and urged the board to reconsider the decision regarding the position.

Speaker: Chris Ronten

Topic: A Pullman resident and member of a local church emphasized the importance of having the right individuals in key roles and expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker urged the board to reconsider the decision and proposed that a board member make a motion to table the discussion in light of the public outcry.

Speaker: Jacob Hogg

Topic: A parent of students in Pullman Schools and the swim coach at PHS expressed support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director, emphasizing the importance of athletics and activities for students and their positive impact. The speaker highlighted Wendy Kruger’s in-depth knowledge of Pullman’s athletics and activities programs and voiced support for a motion to table the topic for further discussion.

Speaker: Phil Honeywell

Topic: A parent who has had three students attend Pullman Schools shared support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the significance of student activities and highlighted Wendy Kruger’s positive impact on the school community, especially through her leadership and dedication during and after the challenges of COVID. They also referenced their experience serving on the Booster committee and noted the critical role Wendy Kruger has played in supporting athletics and activities.

Speaker: Liana Vanek

Topic: A student at Pullman High School shared support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker emphasized the importance of advisors and coaches at PHS and noted Wendy Kruger’s leadership and support in those roles. They expressed concern about the loss of teams, safe spaces, and coaches, and now the potential impact of eliminating the standalone Athletics/Activities Director position.

Speaker: Keaton Lebens

Topic: A junior at Pullman High School and Executive Vice President for ASB shared support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director. The speaker highlighted the importance of athletics and activities opportunities for students and the positive impact they have on student life. They provided examples of Wendy Kruger’s leadership and emphasized the significance of her continued presence in that role.

Speaker: Karl Johanson

Topic: A former school board member who has also served as a coach and official expressed appreciation for the time spent meeting with the board president and leadership team. The speaker shared support for maintaining Wendy Kruger as the Athletics/Activities Director, highlighting her partnership in coordinating with officials and assignments. They referenced a past challenging situation that led to a policy change and questioned the decision to create a position that Wendy Kruger would not qualify for, asking why such a change is being pursued.

Speaker: Karl Olsen

Topic: A member of the Pullman High School Class of 1997 and current Pullman resident addressed the board, urging common-sense leadership in decision-making. While acknowledging the district’s budget challenges, the speaker emphasized the value that Wendy Kruger brings to the role of Athletics/Activities Director. They encouraged the board to explore creative solutions and requested that the item be tabled and reconsidered.

Speaker: Joe Fairbanks

Topic:  A Pullman resident addressed the board, emphasizing that decisions made now will shape the future for students. The speaker acknowledged the significant time and effort required for the Athletics/Activities Director role and expressed a desire for collective efforts to find a budget solution by closely examining financial allocations. They noted that, based on public comment, the board has the ability to bring this item forward as a discussion topic at a future meeting.

Speaker: Wendy Rainey-McCann

Topic: A parent of students in Pullman schools attended the meeting and noted the strong presence of the community in support of Wendy Kruger, with attendees spread across the high school commons and in classrooms, demonstrating widespread support for her role.

Director Roberts provided clarity that a motion regarding the Athletics/Activities position is already included on the board agenda.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

According to school board policy and procedure 2220, the board of directors will take action to approve the school calendars on or before June 1. Director Pollestad providing an overview of the committee membership and the three different draft options presented to the Pullman Education Association (PEA) and Pullman Paraprofessional Association (PPA) to vote on.  

The Pullman Education Association and the Pullman Paraprofessional Association voted on the proposed draft options. 

The results of the voting on the calendar draft options are as follows: 

• Pullman Education Association (PEA): 
  • 1st Choice: Option A 
  • 2nd Choice: Option B
  • 3rd Choice: Option C 
• Pullman Paraprofessional Association (PPA): 
  • 1st Choice: Option B 
  • 2nd Choice: Option A
  • 3rd Choice: Option C

Board Director Carter asked for clarification around the professional learning day in March following WSU's spring break and noted that the committee members expressed appreciation for the process. Director Pollestad explained that the placement of that professional learning day was intended to provide a break for secondary students.

Board Director Carter asked how the calendar would return as an action item, and Director Roberts clarified that the board would either accept the recommendations or choose a different option, followed by a vote. Director Pollestad stated that the committee drafts the calendar options for the associations to review and vote on, however the board ultimately approves the calendar.

Board Director Nelson expressed a preference for the committee to provide a recommendation, to which Director Pollestad responded that he would look into reconvening the committee to achieve a consensus. Board Director Roberts was in agreement with the need for the committee’s general consensus on a calendar option.

Presenter: Roberta Kramer, Assistant Superintendent

This resolution is required as part of the OSPI 180-Day School Year Waiver application renewal process to continue the district's Family-Teacher conference model structure that is currently in place. Over the past several years this structure has been in place, and this waiver was applied to the 2022–2023, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025 school years. The district is seeking approval to continue this successful format for the next three academic calendar years (2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028). The use of full days for family-teacher conferences provides greater scheduling flexibility and allows for more in-depth conversations between families and teachers.

Presenter: Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

The school board discussed the resolution for the sale of surplus real property, specifically the 2.3-acre property that includes the Pullman Aquatic Center, which has been owned by the Pullman School District since 1970. According to District Policy 6882, the process for disposing of real property that is not necessary for school purposes was outlined. Following board approval, the 2.3-acre property, along with the Pullman Aquatic Center, will be made available for sale, and administration will proceed with publishing the district's intent and proposal to sell the property.

Board Director Roberts asked for additional information about the encumbrance and the process the district must follow. Director Pollestad provided background on the property, noting that the Military Hill Park was funded with federal funds and noted that if the district sells the land on which the aquatic center sits, the district needs to determine the exact value of the land and ensure that a portion of land is allocated in another location for outdoor recreation.

Board Director Roberts explained that the district has explored various land alternatives to reencumber for public use and has a three-year period to do so. Director Pollestad mentioned that there is 4 acres of unused land around Kamiak Elementary (flood plain land) that could be repurposed for outdoor recreation, such as the addition of a trail, to balance out the sale. The strategy is to convert current district land into public outdoor recreation use.

Board Director Waananen Jones inquired how this step fits into the larger process, to which Director Pollestad responded that Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has made a generous offer to purchase the Aquatic Center and the 2.3 acres of land. This would benefit both the district and the city, as SEL would purchase the property and the district would rent the pool from them, allowing the continuation of swim teams and youth activities.

Board Director Carter asked if the park is part of the 2.3 acres, to which Director Pollestad confirmed that the park would remain with the district.

Resolution 24-25:09 Sale of Surplus Real Property (Pullman Aquatic Center) was discussed but not acted upon at this time. 

The board convened into executive session at 9:30pm.

After reconvening into an open public meeting at 10:40pm, the board took action on a separate item. Following that action, a motion was made in regards to Resolution 24-25:09 Sale of Surplus Real Property (Pullman Aquatic Center).

N. Roberts announced there will be an Executive Session to review the performance of a public employee; informal meeting under RCW 28A.405.230 that will end at 10:00pm.

N. Roberts provided an overview of the process of the informal meeting and noted the board will reconvene in a public meeting and take a vote on the action item.

The board meeting reconvened into an open session at 10:00pm, and the chair announced that the executive session end time would be extended 15 minutes before returning to executive session.

The board meeting reconvened into an open session at 10:15pm, and the chair announced that the executive session end time would be extended 15 minutes before returning to executive session.

The board meeting reconvened into an open session at 10:30pm, and the chair announced that the executive session end time would be extended 5 minutes before returning to executive session.

The board meeting reconvened into an open session at 10:35pm, and the chair announced that the executive session end time would be extended 5 minutes before returning to executive session.

The board reconvened into an open public meeting at 10:40pm.

N. Roberts clarified the quorum procedures for the audience.

N. Roberts announced there will be an Executive Session to discuss negotiations that will end at 10:50pm.