The Board engaged in a detailed discussion regarding facilities planning, beginning with an update on the surplus of the aquatic center and a proposed land swap. Dr. Maxwell explained that the district is still determining whether a specific financial valuation is required, but once established, the district will have three years to meet the required financial value. 

Several land parcels were identified for potential use, including:

• 4.5 acres of native land behind Kamiak Elementary School (KES) that could be restored to prairie and developed into a nature trail;
• A 60-acre parcel off Crestview, which includes a pipeline easement unsuitable for construction but viable for a nature trail;
• Other leased farmland currently under a year-to-year agreement.

Board members discussed potential uses of proceeds from the aquatic center sale, including reinvestment in property or upgrades. Director Pollestad shared the process for determining valuation requirements and meeting relevant standards. A public hearing is scheduled for May 28, with appraisal and survey work planned before the end of summer. An appraisal for the Johnson property is set for June 13, with superior court proceedings scheduled for May 22 and title transfer anticipated by June 11.

Ideas for future development included outdoor learning spaces, an amphitheater, and pickleball courts, with general agreement that the land behind KES will not be used for future school construction. Board Director Carter inquired about surrounding farmland and possible partnerships with landowners. Dr. Maxwell emphasized the importance of long-term planning, noting land is a valuable and an increasingly expensive resource.

The discussion then shifted to the district’s interlocal agreement with the City of Pullman, particularly around shared facility use. Dr. Maxwell noted that the district currently absorbs most of the maintenance costs associated with shared-use areas, such as Military Hill Park. The Board expressed interest in revisiting the agreement to reflect a more equitable cost-sharing model. Ideas included establishing a flat-rate fee or adopting a phased-in or discounted structure, allowing time for the City to adjust. The importance of clarifying facility scheduling priorities was also highlighted.

Other topics discussed included field maintenance and closures due to overuse, leash enforcement for dogs on school property, and strategies to better communicate that fields are district-owned. Ideas such as updated signage and a targeted social media campaign were raised to help increase public awareness. There was also interest in engaging with the Phoenix Conservancy for potential future collaboration.

Finally, the Board confirmed that a budget work session would be added to the upcoming schedule, and Dr. Maxwell noted that a budget presentation would be provided at the next regular meeting.

The Board engaged in a planning discussion to prepare for the upcoming June 17 joint meeting with the Pullman City Council. As guests at the City’s regular council meeting, the Board emphasized the importance of establishing clear expectations and a structured agenda in advance to support a productive and respectful dialogue. It was clarified that negotiations related to the interlocal agreement would not take place during this public session.

Board members expressed a collective interest in making the meeting informative and collaborative. A joint presentation was proposed to provide background on the interlocal agreement and foster shared understanding between the two entities. Additional proposed agenda topics included strengthening lines of communication through routine meetings, increasing community outreach and engagement through shared initiatives, and exploring partnerships around facilities and programming. These themes reflect a broader goal of working more closely to serve the community.

Other key topics identified for discussion included the school resource officer agreement, alarm call charges, transportation coordination, and the use of shared facilities. The Board emphasized the value of identifying appropriate points of contact for city-related matters and suggested using the district’s strategic plan as a starting point for identifying common goals.

Throughout the discussion, the Board agreed on the importance of approaching the meeting with an open mindset, focusing on relationship-building and aligning strategic priorities wherever possible. While acknowledging that immediate outcomes may be limited, the Board viewed the session as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for future collaboration and mutual support.

The meeting will be publicly advertised as an open public meeting of the School Board session but will be hosted by the City within the structure of their City Council meeting.