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| Superintendent Newsletter | May 2024 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
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Message from Maxwell
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May is:
UPDATE: Elementary Classroom Placements Notification for 2024-2025 School Year PSD Summer Operating Hours Nutrition Services Update |
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Dear Pullman Public School Families,
You may have heard that a number of school districts in Washington State are in financial crisis and deeply in debt. As we prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to share with you the proactive measures we are implementing to address our current financial challenges and ensure our district’s financial stability for the future. These measures are designed to ensure that we continue to provide a high-quality education to our students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Current Economic and Funding Conditions
Several economic and funding conditions are impacting our overall district budget this year and next. Key factors include:
- Declining Enrollment: Our district has experienced a decline in enrollment, with 78 fewer budgeted students this year, resulting in a $713,849. This trend is further compounded by decreasing birth rates.
- Decreased Transportation Funding: We are receiving $266,000 less funding for transportation, due to a decrease in ridership.
- Increasing Insurance Costs: Insurance costs have risen significantly this year and will continue to increase next year, with a projected $438,009 increase over two years, placing additional strain on the budget.
- Increasing Utility Costs: Utility costs have risen significantly this year and will continue to increase next year, with a projected $443,509 increase over two years, putting additional strain on the budget.
- Unfunded State Mandates: We are required to meet state mandates without accompanying funding, requiring us to allocate resources from local funds, with costs yet to be determined.
Proactive Measures and Budget Adjustments
To address these challenges, district and building administrators with staff input are enacting thorough and strategic budget adjustments to position our district for long-term sustainability and success. Simultaneously, we’re maintaining a reserve fund in line with district policy. Our goal is to minimize disruption to students’ education by implementing the following measures:
- Administrative Adjustments: We are reducing and consolidating administrative positions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Staffing Adjustments through Attrition: We will use natural attrition, such as retirements and resignations, to consolidate staffing while minimizing disruptions.
- Optimizing Staffing Allocations: We are reviewing all staffing allocations to ensure they meet our current needs and program funding parameters.
- Targeted Budget Reductions: Building and program budgets are being carefully adjusted to prioritize essential expenditures.
- Professional Development: We are scaling back professional development activities to ensure cost-effectiveness while still supporting necessary and required trainings.
- Facilities and Maintenance: Some annual preventive maintenance projects will be delayed to allocate funds to more immediate priorities.
- Athletics and Activities Expenses: We are evaluating athletics and co-curricular activities to find areas we can reduce expenses.
- Utility and Water Conservation: We are implementing measures to reduce utility and water consumption over the summer months, promoting sustainability and cost savings.
Moving Forward Together
We will keep you informed as the district continues to discuss, review, and put into action these strategic adjustments to navigate the everchanging financial landscape. Your support and understanding are vital as we collaborate to secure the best outcomes for our students. These actions are critical to preserving the financial health of our district and ensuring the ongoing provision of high-quality educational and co-curricular opportunities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the Pullman School District.
Sincerely,
Bob Maxwell
Superintendent
Pullman Public Schools
Cultural Awareness & Recognitions
Month: May |
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"Pet the Stress Away" Event
Pullman High School celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month with a "Pet the Stress Away" event! Thank you to the 5 therapy dogs and their handlers for bringing joy and relaxation to our students. Pet Partner registered therapy dogs (and their human handlers) visited PHS to help students and staff 'Pet the Stress Away'. As we strive to create nurturing and inclusive environments, these service dogs were here to lend a paw and promote mental health awareness among our students and staff!
A huge thank you to our School-Based Mental Health Therapists, Jessica Viergutz-Cavagnetto, for coordinating this wonderful visit!
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What an incredible turnout for our 2nd Annual 'Fight in the Light' Mental Health Awareness Art Exhibit & Reception! This year's exhibition featured visual, performance, or written art pieces around the theme of letting go and freeing yourself. Huge thanks to the wonderful artists who submitted their work for the exhibit and thank you to everyone who came out to support this important cause. Your presence made a difference and shines a light on mental health. Check out some of the artwork from this incredible event!
May is a time of celebration and reflection as we recognize Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI), and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month. This month provides a special opportunity to honor the diverse cultures, rich traditions, and significant contributions of the AAPI and Native Hawaiian communities to our nation's history and cultural fabric.
Our school district is enriched by the vibrant diversity of our student body, staff, and community members. The stories, achievements, and heritage of our AAPI and Native Hawaiian families add unique dimensions to our shared experience, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment for all.
Learn more about Asian American, Pacific Islander & Native Hawaiian Heritage Month on our website at:
https://www.pullmanschools.org/district/educational_equity/cultural-awareness/asian-pacific-american-heritage
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As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to inform you about an important change in how we will be communicating classroom placements for our K-5 students.
In an effort to streamline our processes and ensure timely delivery of information, and as a cost savings measure, we will no longer be mailing classroom placement postcards. Instead, we will be using ParentSquare to notify elementary families of their child’s classroom placement for the 2024-2025 school year. This change will allow us to provide you with the necessary information more efficiently and securely.
Here are a few key points to note:
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Notification Date: Elementary classroom placements will be sent out via email, text, and/or app notification via ParentSquare on Monday, August 12.
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Accessing ParentSquare:
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For returning families: If you have not yet registered your ParentSquare account, please do so at your earliest convenience. You can access ParentSquare via the app or website using the email address or phone number we have on file for you.
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For new families: Activation links will be emailed to all parent/guardians and high school students on Thursday, August 1 and each subsequent week until the start of the school year. Families can also register their account anytime after July 1, 2024 with ParentSquare via the app or website using the email address or phone number we have on file for you.
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Stay Informed: Please ensure that your contact information is up to date in our system. If you need to make any changes, you can do so through the ParentSquare platform or by contacting your child’s school office or the district office.
We understand that this is a change from previous years, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible and to ensure that you receive all necessary information promptly.
If you have any questions or need assistance with ParentSquare, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school office or the district office by email at info@psd267.org or by phone at (509) 332-3581. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to another successful and exciting school year ahead!
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Families can enroll NEW students in all grade levels for the 2024-2025 school year TODAY!
Families with students not currently enrolled in Pullman School District that would like to enroll with PSD for the 2024-2025 school year, will need to complete an enrollment application online. Translated paper copies of the enrollment application will be available. If your child is already enrolled in one of our schools, there is NO need to complete the enrollment process again.
Learn more at: https://www.pullmanschools.org/enrollment
We are excited to welcome the Class of 2037 this Fall!
Check out the webpage linked below to learn more about our kindergarten program and enrolling for kindergarten:https://www.pullmanschools.org/enrollment/kindergarten
Where will my student go to school?
Students are initially assigned to a school based on where the student lives. Type your address into the Find my School tool to find which school your address falls into. If you would like your child to attend another school than the school in your boundary, you may submit an in-district transfer request. View the in-district transfer page for more information.
SAVE THE DATE! 2024-2025 KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE
Each of our elementary schools will be hosting an open house for children who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2024, and will be entering kindergarten in one of our elementary schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
Date: Thursday, May 30
Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm
Locations:
Franklin Elementary - 850 SE Klemgard - Ph. 509-334-5641
Jefferson Elementary - 1150 NW Bryant St. - Ph. 509-332-2617
Kamiak Elementary - 1400 NW Terre View Dr. - Ph. 509-336-7205
Sunnyside Elementary - 425 SW Shirley - Ph. 509-334-1800
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Pullman Public Schools - Summer Operating Hours
Monday June 24 - Friday, August 16 Monday: 7:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am-4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am-11:00am
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
*The District will be closed to the public on Wednesday, June 19th in recognition of Juneteenth, and Thursday, July 4th - Friday, July 5th in recognition of Independence Day.
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| Nutrition Services Update |
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2024-2025 Meal Application
Remember to fill out a school meal application for the 2023-2024 school year in August before school starts.
More information to come!
It is important to complete the school (free/reduced) meal application annually. Students may qualify for other school benefits or other state or federally funded school benefits based on meal program eligibility. Also, some school program funding is based on school meal program eligibility of students.
Families will complete the meal application in their Skyward Family Access account in August. Paper copies will also be available on our website at:
https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/nutrition_services/meal_application___paying_for_meals
PSD Summer Meal Program
Information about Pullman School District's Summer Meal Program can be found on our website at:
https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/nutrition_services/summer_meal_program
Washington SunBucks Program
Per the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, the federal government authorized a new permanent, nationwide Summer EBT program – also known as SUN Bucks – to support children who lose access to free and reduced-price school meals during the summer months. SUN Bucks is separate from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and provides $120 in food benefits to each eligible child. This amount may be adjusted annually. Similar to SNAP, SUN Bucks is a flexible food benefit that families can use to buy food to help offset rising food costs. Using SUN Bucks also helps bring additional dollars into local economies.
For more information, please visit: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/SUNBucks
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Pullman High School - 2023-2024 State Academic Champions
The following PHS teams/clubs were recognized as State Academic Champions this school year:
- Girls Swimming & Diving
- Band
- Baseball
- Cheer (Winter)
- Choir
- Drama
- Fastpitch Softball
- Orchestra
- Boys Tennis
The Scholastic Cup recognizes performance in the classroom as well as on the playing surface. Schools that finish at the top of their respective classifications in state athletic competition receive points, as do schools that finish at the top in team academic performance. Sportsmanship is also a factor, with substantial points deducted for ejections from contests. At the end of the year, the school with the most points in their classification will be awarded the prestigious Scholastic Cup!
Pullman is dominating the scholastic cup, leading by over 600 points! Keep up the great work, Hounds!
Learn more at: https://www.wiaa.com/scholasticcup/
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Pullman High School Ranked in the 2024 Best High Schools by U.S. World News
Pullman High School earned high National and metro-area rankings in the 2024 Best High Schools. Pullman High School was ranked #29 in Washington State, and 1,623 in the nation by U.S. World News. Schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, Pullman High School achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School. |
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Heather Strader named 2024 “Dedicated Teacher Award” Recipient
Heather Strader, Second Grade Teacher at Franklin Elementary, was presented with the 2024 “Dedicated Teacher Award” from the Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors during the Regular Board meeting held on May 8, 2024. Annually, the board honors either an individual certificated employee with the "Dedicated Teacher Award" or a committed teaching team with the "Dedicated Teaching Team Recognition Award. This recognition is in appreciation of a teacher or a team’s demonstrated dedication to students and to their school.
Heather Strader has served the Pullman School District for almost 15 years, and was recommended for this recognition by Franklin Elementary Principal, Stephanie Bray, who was inspired by Heather as a leader in instructional delivery, support, and innovation.
Principal Bray shared that “[Heather] has supported student intervention, guided educators in intervention and progress monitoring, and most recently collaborated with the team and staff to refine our process and model the RTI model based on Solution Tree. She advocates for each child, for families, and the support the school/community can provide. She creates and maintains strong, positive, and successful relationships with not only her colleagues and supervisors, but also her families and students. She creates an atmosphere of trust, caring, and understanding in her classroom. Heather continually keeps communication with families open, honest, and frequent. Heather not only provides instruction exceptionally, but Heather also demonstrates an innate ability to create and foster positive relationships with her students. Her students feel safe, respected, and improve their growth mindset in her classroom. Through her collaborative efforts, and positive relationships, Heather has created not only a classroom, but a classroom family and community.”
From all of us here at Pullman School District, we extend our congratulations to Mrs. Strader!
2024 Dedicated Teacher Award Nominees:
• Abby Wagner, Kamiak Elementary School
• Jamie Bye, Jefferson Elementary School
• Willma Fields, Sunnyside Elementary School
• Jan Estep, Pullman High School
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We extend our gratitude to our staff, families, and the Pullman community for their support throughout this school year. Your efforts play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful and enriching educational experience for our students, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing partnership and commitment to our shared goal of fostering excellence in education. See below for some of the highlights from another successful school year!
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Thank you Voters!
- Pullman voters were asked to consider two separate ballot measures on the February 13, 2024 ballot for replacement levies. Thanks to your support, our school district is in a position to continue providing a quality education for each student while being fiscally responsible using the resources the community so generously provides.
- PSD Board of Directors was named as a 2023 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA).
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Equitable Learning Environments
- Equity work continues through the work of Professional Learning Communities. This work ensures that all students are achieving high levels of learning.
- Pullman High School Earned the AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award
- The Pullman High School AAPI Club hosted a Multicultural Night in conjunction with the Washington State University(WSU) International Center and our district’s English Language Development (ELD) Department.
- PSD Our Minds Matter Clubs hosted the second annual district-wide art exhibition and reception along with a variety of other activities for students, families, and staff to raise awareness around the topic of mental health.
- New district website focused on providing information about Educational Equity in PSD and Bullying Prevention and Discrimination.
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Staff Highlights:
- We have 16 National Board Certified Teachers this year!
- 2023 NEWESD 101 Regional Teacher of the Year & Classified Employee of the Year Selected from Pullman School District:
- Carmen Roberts selected as Regional 2024 Classified School Employee.
- Madison Dissmore selected as Regional 2024 Teacher of the Year.
- 2023 Excellence in Education Award Recipient - Margee Dahmen, Jefferson Elementary Paraeducator
- 2024 Dedicated Teacher Award - Heather Strader, Second Grade Teacher at Franklin Elementary
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Pullman High School
- Ranked #29 in Washington State and #1,623 in the Nation for 2024 Best High Schools by U.S. World News
- Hound Central won an Emmy!
- PSD is participating in Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program to support a college-going culture and guaranteed admissions efforts at six participating Washington four-year public institutions.
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PSD Continues Partnership with Phoenix Conservancy Partnership
- Pullman Public Schools and the Phoenix Conservancy have partnered to install native plant landscaping at Kamiak Elementary along with planting trees to create a windbreak along the KES school campus.
- Future projects include a native prairie restoration and Monarch butterfly/pollinator project at Pullman High School.
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School/District Grants
- Outdoor Education Grants - Recipient of $61,000 grant to fund the 5th grade outdoor school learning experience.
- WSDA Farm to School - Grant Recipient of $20,000
- Action for Kids (Healthy Meals) - Grant Recipient of $77,708
- Two Additional Electric Buses Coming to PSD!
- Recipient of EPA 2023 Clean School Bus Grant
- Department of Ecology - State of Washington Air Quality Clean Diesel Electric School Bus Grant
Thank you to all of our generous donors for your incredible support and commitment to our community's education. Your support plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for our students and enriching our school environment.
Thanks to your donations, we have been able to provide a wide array of programs and activities that might otherwise be unavailable. These include extracurricular clubs, sports teams, arts programs, field trips, and numerous other initiatives that help our students grow, learn, and thrive. Your generosity ensures that every student has the opportunity to explore their interests and talents, developing skills and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Some examples of how our community through donations:
- WSU Greek Life donated $10,000 to go toward unpaid student meal balances
- SEL donated $50,000 to the PHS CTE STEM Program for the 2023-2024 school year
- Pullman Education Foundation's Innovation & Teacher Grant Programs
- PTA/PTO/Booster Club Fundraising Efforts
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| Upcoming Events / Important Dates |
Pullman High School Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 5:00pm at Beasley Coliseum. |
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 | PHS Senior Showcase is scheduled for May 28 & May 30 from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the PHS Aux Gym |
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| PSD Employment Opportunities |
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We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman. To that end, the district will actively seek applicants who best meet the needs of the district.
Current Job Postings:
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2024-2025 School Year:
- Special Education Teachers
- Elementary Teachers
- Assistant Boys Swim Coach
- Assistant Girls Swim Coach
- Custodian - Pullman High School
- 0.5 FTE Occupational Therapist
- Regular Route Bus Drivers
- Photography Club Advisor (LMS)
- Builder's Club Advisor (LMS)
If you are interested in applying for any of the positions listed above, please apply online at:
https://psd267.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
We are always looking for Substitutes!
If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:
- Emergency Substitute Teacher
- Substitute Custodian
- Substitute Nutrition Services Staff
- Substitute Paraeducator
Please apply for these positions online at:
https://psd267.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:
- Substitute Bus Driver
- Substitute Nurse
Please pick up an application at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St).
For more information, please visit our website at
https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources| Superintendent Newsletter | May 2024
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