Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Approves budget items
PULLMAN — The Pullman School Board met to discuss many agenda items, including budget status, Washington State graduation requirements and more.
The Pullman School Board convened on Wednesday, Aug. 14, in the Paul R. Sturm Community Room at Pullman High School.
The meeting began at 6:30 p.m., led by Board President Nathan Roberts, and was attended by Vice President Amanda Tanner, Director Arron Carter, Superintendent Bob Maxwell, Assistant Superintendent Roberta Kramer, Finance Director Diane Hodge, and Executive Director of Operations Joe Thornton.
Directors Lisa Waananen Jones and Craig Nelson were absent.
The board initiated the meeting with a flag salute and a land acknowledgment statement.
The agenda was approved with amendments, including a Personnel Report Addendum, additional check summaries, and the July 2024 Budget Status Report. The amendments were approved unanimously after some clarification regarding the addendum.
Director Arron Carter reported on preparations for the new school year, raising concerns about using Chromebooks in classrooms and their potential for distraction.
Carter suggested further discussion on managing Chromebook use and emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue with administrative staff.
Board President Roberts highlighted the ongoing DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) task force application process and proposed reviewing the district’s electronic usage policies, including those related to cell phone use.
Superintendent Maxwell provided updates on several initiatives.
The Boys & Girls Club is expanding to Kamiak and Franklin Elementary Schools, with new directors and staff hired. Maxwell also reported positive enrollment trends, with a current head count of over 2,700 students and ongoing efforts to hire for open positions. Additionally, he noted the progress of the Small Schools Study & Survey to secure state authorization money for green energy projects.
The board reviewed several consent agenda items, including the approval of minutes from the July 24 meeting and various personnel changes. The approved personnel changes included resignations, leave requests and position adjustments.
The board also approved contracts for services and received several donations, including a $36,398 contribution from P1FCU for a Tiny Mobile Robot and a $10,000 donation from the Pullman Education Foundation for a food serving cart.
In action items, the board unanimously approved “Resolution 23-24:13 Cancellation of Outstanding Warrants,” which addresses unclaimed property.
The board also approved a Request for Proposal for special education preschool services, the 2024-2025 Assessment Plan, state and federal grants, and school meal prices.
Additionally, the board renewed the Prime Vendor Contract with US Foods, noting a potential $15,000 savings for the district.
Discussion items included the 2024-2025 Annual Organizational Meeting and the Minimum Basic Education Compliance Report. Superintendent Maxwell addressed questions regarding instructional hours at Lincoln Middle School and confirmed the district’s compliance with state graduation requirements.
The board also reviewed Policy 6700 related to nutrition and discussed Family and Student Handbook updates.
The meeting concluded with no public comments and was adjourned following the unanimous approval of all discussed items. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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