Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue impacting schools nationwide, including Pullman Public Schools, affecting academic outcomes, social-emotional development, and even long-term career prospects for students. Defined as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason—whether excused, unexcused, or due to suspensions—chronic absenteeism reflects a deeper, often complex issue that requires more than just a punitive approach to solving. Schools must focus on building awareness and implementing tailored strategies that address the underlying causes of absenteeism to foster meaningful attendance improvement.

Chronic absenteeism is different from truancy or skipping school. A student may be chronically absent due to a variety of legitimate reasons, such as illness, family responsibilities, or even anxiety and other mental health issues. Missing as little as two days a month, for any reason, can add up to a significant amount of lost learning time, making it difficult for students to stay on track with their peers academically and socially. The cumulative effects can lead to lower graduation rates, widened achievement gaps, and fewer opportunities for future success.

Raising awareness about the impact of chronic absenteeism is crucial. Often, families and students may not realize how quickly absences can add up or the long-term effects of missed school days. Educators and school administrators need to communicate this clearly to students, families, and the broader community.

Teachers and staff can monitor attendance patterns and initiate early interventions, while parents and guardians need support in understanding their role in ensuring consistent attendance. Collaboration between schools, families, and communities to address attendance issues will create a shared responsibility for student success.

Our schools are reaching out and working with community organizations to provide wraparound services that support students to reduce barriers associated with chronic absenteeism (lack of basic resources, aversion, disengagement, and misconceptions). This includes creating safe spaces for students, restorative practices, personalized learning experiences, and mental health resources to create a more inclusive environment and fostering positive relationships between students and teachers.

Chronic absenteeism poses a significant threat to the educational success of students, but it is not an insurmountable challenge. By raising awareness of its impact, addressing the underlying causes, and implementing tailored strategies, we can improve attendance rates and, ultimately, student outcomes. Building meaningful relationships, empowering student voice, and engaging community partners are key components of a comprehensive approach that ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed academically and socially. Through a collective effort, we can transform the narrative around school attendance and create a school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and motivated to be present every day.

Bob Maxwell

Superintendent

In light of recent guidance published by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

(OSPI) for Cell Phone and Smart Device Use in Schools and the growing research on the impact of screen time on students' mental health, our Board of Directors revised Board Policy and Procedure 3245 Students and Telecommunication Devices.

At the Regular Board meeting on October 23, the PSD Board of Directors approved updates to the district's student mobile device policy, after reviewing feedback from families, staff, and high school students. With these revisions to Policy and Procedure 3245, "Students and Telecommunication Devices," the district will begin implementing new procedures to limit student mobile device use starting December 2, 2024.

This policy covers cellphones, smartphones, smartwatches, non-medical listening devices, headsets, earbuds, and other wearable technology that may distract from learning. Students may still bring these devices to school; however, they must be kept away and unused during class time.

​Elementary and Middle School  

High School 

 

The decision to implement these changes was made following careful consideration and after student, staff, and family outreach. This change aims to increase in-person social connection, minimize classroom distractions, enhance well-being, and improve your student’s educational experience.  

 

We understand that this policy will be an adjustment for students, families, and staff. Our goal is to work together to ensure students can thrive in a distraction-free and supportive educational environment. 

We appreciate your engagement throughout this process and look forward to working together to support our students.

In honor of October being Bullying Prevention Month, students and staff around the district participated in Unity Day on Wednesday, October 16!

Professional development is the strategy schools and school districts use to ensure that educators continue to strengthen their practice. The most effective professional development engages teachers to focus on the needs of their students. They learn and problem solve together in order to ensure all students achieve success. On Friday, October 4th Pullman Public Schools certificated staff engaged in a professional learning day. The schedule of professional development activities included a wide variety of offerings that provided a collaborative learning environment and work time for teachers. Here are the sessions that staff had the opportunity to engage in:

We are in need of:

Coaches:

For more information, please visit our website at:

https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources.

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 submit an employment application, click the button below.

For more information, please visit our website at:

https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources.

​If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:

Please apply for these positions online at: 

If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:

Please pick up an application at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St).

Questions about employment with Pullman School District?

Contact: Dagny Myers

Phone: (509) 332-3581 | Email: dmyers@psd267.org

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The Pullman School District Board of Directors and the Pullman School District shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities programs without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org. 240 SE Dexter Street, Pullman, WA 99163. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application process by contacting the Personnel Coordinator at (509) 332-3584. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: https://www.pullmanschools.org/families/hib-and-discrimination/discrimination_sexual_harassment.