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Pullman School District Monthly Newsletter: November

Posted Date: 11/26/24 (03:09 PM)


Pullman School District Logo
Pullman School District Monthly Newsletter
November 2024
Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month banner with beaded patterns and vibrant colors, including red, yellow, green, and blue, as the background with the Pullman Public Schools logo and the text, "A Celebration of Native American & Indigenous Culture, Tradition, and Histories."
November is Native American & Indigenous Heritage Month
As November arrives, Pullman Public Schools proudly joins the nation in celebrating Native American & Indigenous Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to honoring the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and significant contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples. It’s a time for reflection on their enduring impact on our country and for deepening our understanding of their diverse traditions.

Land Acknowledgement Statement
Pullman Public Schools reside on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people. We express our deepest respect for and gratitude towards the original and current stewards of this land. We acknowledge our role in building mutual respect and connections to support current and future generations.

Want to learn more? Check out these great resources on our website:
Message from Maxwell
Graphic illustrating Washington State's operating budget over time, comparing 2019 and 2024. Two baskets of produce represent the budget allocations for each year. The 2019 budget shows 52.4% allocated to K-12 education funding and 47.6% to other state programs. The 2024 budget shows a shift, with 43.1% allocated to K-12 education funding and 56.9% to other state programs. The title reads 'Issues at the Core of Washington's School Funding Dilemma,' and the Pullman Public Schools logo is displayed in the top-right corner.
Addressing the Funding Crisis in Public Education
I am writing to inform you of the significant financial challenges that are impacting school districts across Washington State, including right here in Pullman. In recent months, these financial pressures have reached a crisis level, and without immediate action, the educational experience for students will be compromised in critical ways.

At the heart of the problem are substantial gaps in state funding for Special Education, Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs (MSOC), and Transportation. These are the areas that form the foundation of our students’ learning environment and their ability to succeed, yet they are woefully underfunded. Without an urgent response from lawmakers, I fear these deficits will only deepen.
What’s Being Done:
The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), along with many other educational organizations, is working tirelessly to advocate for solutions to this funding shortfall. Although the 2025 legislative session does not begin until January, advocacy efforts are already in full swing. WASA’s 2025 Legislative Platform is centered on addressing what they call the "Big 3" – Special Education, MSOC, and Pupil Transportation – to ensure districts have the resources necessary to meet students' needs.

To bolster this advocacy, WASA has launched a new website, www.waschoolfunding.org, where you can find clear, accessible information about the current funding challenges and how they affect your students. This site is an excellent resource for parents, students, and community members who want to stay informed and get involved.
How You Can Help:
WASA has developed an Advocacy Tool Kit, filled with talking points, social media content, and videos to help community members like you engage directly with legislators. I encourage all families, staff, and community members to make use of these resources. With your help, we can amplify our collective voice and request that lawmakers make K-12 funding a priority again.

This fall is a crucial time for action. The Pullman School District is committed to advocating for full and adequate funding for our students, and we need your support to ensure our message is heard loud and clear. The future of public education in Washington State depends on it.

Thank you for standing with us in this important effort.

Sincerely,

Bob Maxwell
Superintendent
In This Issue:
Graphic celebrating the Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors as a Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) Board of Distinction. The image features a group photo of five board members: Craig Nelson, Amanda Tanner, Nathan Roberts, Lisa Waananen Jones, and Arron Carter. A gold ribbon with the Pullman Public Schools logo highlights their achievement. Below the photo, the years of recognition—2016 through 2024—are displayed in gold on a black background with gold accents.
2024 WSSDA Board of Distinction
Pullman School District's School Board was among 37 school boards across the state to be honored as a 2024 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA).
Photo of the Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors with the 2024 Excellence in Education Award Recipient, Laura Manning.
Laura Manning named 2024 “Excellence in Education” Recipient
Each year, the board selects one classified employee to receive this recognition. Laura was recommended for this recognition by Kamiak Elementary staff, who were so inspired by Laura’s dedication, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and initiative. 
Health and Safety icons
District Highlights
  • Veteran's Day 2024
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Task Force
Group of people at a outdoor market
Upcoming District Events
  • Winter Concert Dates
  • December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL, Winter Break
Person pointing to we are hiring sign
PSD Employment Opportunities
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.
2024 WSSDA Board of Distinction
Group photo of Pullman School District's Board of Directors with two student representatives at the Annual WSSDA Conference.
Pullman School District's School Board was among 37 school board across the state to be honored as a 2024 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA)! This recognition highlights their dedication to enhancing student learning and supporting staff growth.

Specifically, the award committee acknowledged our board’s unwavering support for staff growth through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), which has brought about impressive progress in learning standards, student achievement, and equity. 

Our School Board was recognized at the President’s Dinner during the WSSDA Annual Conference on November 21, 2024 in Spokane. This honor reflects the dedication of our entire school community, and we are deeply grateful for the support and engagement of our staff, families and community members. We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors for their commitment and service to our community!

Additionally, we were proud to have two student representatives, who serve as Pullman High School Student Ambassadors, join our Board of Directors at the Annual WSSDA Conference. Their participation underscores the district's commitment to student voice and leadership in shaping educational priorities.

To learn more about WSSDA's Board of Distinction Program, visit
Laura Manning named 2024 “Excellence in Education” Recipient
Photo of the Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors with the 2024 Excellence in Education Award Recipient, Laura Manning.
Laura Manning, now currently serving as an Assistant Cook/Cashier at Pullman High School, was previously serving in this role at Kamiak Elementary and has been named the recipient of the “Excellence in Education” honor from our school board! Each year, the board selects one classified employee to receive this recognition. Laura was recommended for this recognition by Kamiak Elementary staff, who were so inspired by Laura’s dedication, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and initiative. 

Laura has served the Pullman School District for 5 years! Kamiak staff shared, “What truly sets Laura apart is her ability to forge strong and meaningful relationships with both students and staff. She went beyond the scope of her role, becoming a trusted and familiar presence in our school community. Her warm and caring demeanor resonated with everyone she interacted with, creating a welcoming and clean atmosphere for all. She makes [our students] feel valued and appreciated as they go about their school day. Her positive interactions contribute to the overall atmosphere within our school community, fostering a sense of belonging and support among staff and students. No job is too big or small for Laura. She tackles it all with hard work and a positive attitude. She sees a need and fills it. She is committed to our district and our students.” 

Congratulations Laura! Pullman School District thanks you for your many years of service!
 
2024 Excellence in Education Award Nominees:
  • Michelle Dunlap, Secretary at Franklin Elementary School. Michelle has served the Pullman School District for 7 years!
  • Mei Clark, Special Education Paraeducator at Pullman High School. Mei has served the Pullman School District for 8 years!
  • Reem Nasralla, Special Education Paraeducator at Sunnyside Elementary School. Reem has served the Pullman School District for 9 years!
  • Heather Drader, Office Paraeducator at Jefferson Elementary School. Heather has served the Pullman School District for 5 years!
 
Pullman School District thanks you all for your many years of service! 
District Highlights
Veteran's Day 2024
In honor of Veterans Day, students and staff around the district participated in a variety of activities to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve our country. From assemblies to art projects, it was a true celebration of service and sacrifice. Check out the wonderful moments captured in these photos!
Photo of Sunnyside Elementary 5th grade students presenting to Sunnyside students during their Veteran's Day assembly with 5th Grade Sunnyside teacher, Stephanie Bray.
Photo of Lincoln Middle School students presenting the branches of the military to their peers during their Veteran's Day assembly.
Photo of the Lincoln Middle School Band and Choir performing for students at their Veteran's Day assembly.
Two photos of students with members of their families who are Veterans thanking them for their service.
Photo of Lincoln Middle School (LMS) students and staff at the LMS Veteran's Day Assembly sitting on the bleachers.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Task Force
We are excited to announce the formation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force. This dedicated group of students, community members and district staff will play a vital role in ensuring our schools are welcoming and inclusive for all students, staff, and families.

Mission Statement
Pullman School District's mission is to ensure learning while challenging and supporting each student to achieve their full potential. The DEIB Task Force aligns with this vision by working to enhance cultural awareness, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our schools. The task force's primary goal is to identify areas for growth and recommend to the Superintendent and School board strategies to strengthen DEIB practices across the district.

Selection Process
The task force members were chosen through an application process that was open to the entire Pullman community. We are grateful for the numerous individuals who applied to serve on this task force and expressed their passion for advancing DEIB initiatives in our schools.

Applications were reviewed and ranked by the Pullman School District Board of Directors, who considered each candidate’s experience, perspectives, and commitment to DEIB principles. Final appointments were made during a regular board meeting, where the candidates were officially selected to serve on the task force.

Goals and Responsibilities
The DEIB Task Force will focus on issues that directly impact the district and its schools. This includes evaluating current practices, identifying opportunities for improvement, and proposing actionable recommendations to the Superintendent and Board of Directors. The work of this task force will align with Pullman Public Schools Policy and Procedure 4110 to ensure transparency and accountability.
Learn More: DEIB Task Force
Upcoming District Events
Picture of concert hall with a sheet of music on a music stand. Text heading: You're Invited! Winter Concerts with the Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School logos.
You're Invited! Winter Concert Schedule:
Locations:
  • Lincoln Middle School - LMS (315 SE Crestview St)
  • Pullman High School - PHS (510 NW Greyhound Way)

Schedule:
  • December 5, 7:30pm @ LMS: LMS Orchestra Holiday Concert
  • December 7, 7:00am -11:00am @ LMS: Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast & Music Fest
  • December 11, 7:00pm @ PHS: PHS Instrumental Winter Concert
  • December 12, 7:30pm @LMS: LMS Bands Winter Concert
PSD Employment Opportunities
Interested in Joining Our Team?
We are in need of:
  • Math Teacher - Leave Replacement Position
  • Head Cook (LMS)
  • Regular Route Bus Drivers
  • School-Based Mental Health Therapist
  • 0.2FTE Elementary Orchestra/General Music Teacher
  • Spring Sports Game Manager (PHS)

Coaches:
  • Assistant Girls Basketball Coach (LMS)
  • Support Assistant Wrestling Coach (PHS)
  • Head Boys Track Coach (PHS)
  • Head Girls Basketball Coach (LMS)

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:
PSD Employment Opportunities
We Are Always Looking 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: 

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).

Questions about employment with Pullman School District?
Contact: Dagny Myers
Phone: (509) 332-3581 | Email: dmyers@psd267.org
​​
 
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