Pullman School District Monthly Newsletter
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As we recognize National Principals Month, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude for the incredible work our school principals do every day. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students and staff. They handle countless responsibilities with dedication and heart—ensuring that our schools are welcoming, safe, and nurturing places for all.
Show your favorite principal how much they mean to you by sending them a personalized eCard!
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Dear Pullman Public Schools families, community members, and staff,
As part of our ongoing commitment to clear communication and collaboration, this month’s newsletter includes an important update on recent federal developments affecting special education and what the changes may mean for Washington State and Pullman Public Schools, and how families can engage in the process.
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The national landscape for special education is evolving, with several significant shifts and areas of uncertainty:
- The U.S. Department of Education is considering transferring oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under IDEA, eligible children with disabilities are guaranteed a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and receive services through individualized education programs (IEPs).
- The federal administration’s current policy agenda includes a proposal to restructure special education funding, shifting from today’s formula-based grants under IDEA to more flexible, block style grant funding with fewer federal requirements.
- While IDEA itself has not been reauthorized or amended, any transfer of oversight or change in funding structure would require congressional action, since the law currently assigns specific responsibilities to the Department of Education.
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If special education oversight moves to HHS, it would be a major shift in how services are organized and delivered. Several potential outcomes are being discussed:
- Integration of services – Students receiving special services might experience more coordination among health, behavioral, and human-services supports (e.g., early intervention, therapies, or medical-based services).
- Broader provider services – Some efficiencies could emerge as HHS already manages a range of related programs, possibly improving coordination between education and health systems. Services could move from an educational rights-based model to a medical/therapy model. That change might undermine principles of inclusion and general-education access.
- Risk of disruption – Congressional action would be required to amend IDEA and transfer the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to HHS. This process could lead to short-term service disruptions, confusion over monitoring, or diminished federal accountability, leaving states and districts to fill in gaps with limited resources.
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At the state and local level, these potential changes raise several considerations:
- Federal IDEA funding currently flows to states, which then distribute funds to districts based on federal requirements. Changes in how funds are allocated could alter Washington’s ability to monitor and support districts.
- If federal oversight changes or weakens, states and local districts may bear more responsibility for maintaining the current level of services and protections.
- For Pullman Public Schools, this means being aware and monitoring federal and state guidance, ensuring service continuity, and keeping families informed of any local impacts.
- Special education is inherently resource intensive, and federal funds have never fully covered the cost of required services. If funding is repurposed, delayed, or redistributed, districts may face difficult choices around staffing, therapy, and related services such as speech, occupational, or behavioral supports.
- Should oversight transfer to HHS, there may also be changes in procedures, compliance monitoring, or enforcement pathways, requiring families to stay informed and engaged.
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Your involvement makes a difference. Families can play an important role as these discussions continue:
- Stay informed: Watch for updates in future newsletters and visit the Pullman Public Schools website under the “Special Services” section for resources and links.
- Reach out: Contact your child’s special-education teacher or the district’s Assistant Director of Special Education if you have questions about possible impacts.
- Participate: Attend Pullman School District's Parent Resource Partnership meetings for special education information and to share your insight and experiences.
- Advocate: Consider reaching out to your state and federal legislative representatives to share your thoughts or experiences regarding special education funding and oversight.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, as a community of families, educators, and staff, we will navigate these changes and ensure our students receiving special services continue to have support, instruction, and services to help them grow.
Bob Maxwell
Superintendent
Pullman Public Schools
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Stay informed and engaged with "Board Bulletin," a section of our monthly newsletter featuring updates from our School Board. Each month, we’ll share key highlights from board meetings, important decisions, and a message from the Board to keep you connected to the work shaping our schools. |
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Celebrating the achievements of our students, staff, and leaders making an impact in our schools and community.
- U.S. News & World Report - 2026 Best Schools Rankings
- Highlights from Unity Day - October 22
- Staff Professional Learning Focuses on Culturally Responsive Student Engagement
- October is Disability Awareness Month
- Spotlight on Our Partners in Education!
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The 2024-2025 Washington State Report Cards for Pullman School District and all of our schools are available now on our district website.
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- PHS Fall Drama Production: Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter
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November 11: NO SCHOOL, Veteran's Day
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November 24-28: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break
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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. |
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On October 15, the School Board held its third community listening session at Lincoln Middle School, focusing on communication and engagement. Board members split into two groups—one for middle and high schools, and one for elementary schools—to hear directly from families and community members.
Middle and High Schools:
The discussion centered on special education programs and how to better connect students with the wider community, especially through transition programs that prepare students for life after school. The Board reviewed current efforts and agreed there are more ways to build community partnerships.
Elementary Schools:
Participants focused on family and community engagement. Building on the recent Community Connections event, attendees suggested new ways to bring local expertise into schools—such as having community professionals speak with parents about topics like social media, mentoring students on career paths, or visiting classrooms to share their knowledge. The Board expressed enthusiasm for these ideas and plans to explore more opportunities for collaboration.
The Board thanks everyone who attended and shared their thoughts. These conversations are helping shape how the district communicates and partners with the community. As planning continues for the next listening session, community members are encouraged to keep sharing ideas for improving communication and engagement across the district. The best way to share your thoughts with the entire board is to email board@psd267.org.
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At the October 8, 2025 Regular Board meeting, the Pullman School District Board of Directors received reports from Pullman High School's ASB, the superintendent, and program updates on Risk Management and District Choice trends. The Board approved their 2025-2026 professional development plan and the pool use agreement between Pullman School District and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL). The Board also reviewed and discussed a resolution for a district surplus sale.
Read the full agenda at the link below:
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At the October 22, 2025 Regular Board meeting, the Pullman School District Board of Directors received reports from Pullman High School's ASB, the superintendent, and an update on the curriculum cycle and adoption process. The Board approved a resolution authorizing the sale of surplus district items and discussed new Policy 3425, Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency, as well as revisions to Policy 5000, Recruitment, Selection, and Evaluation of Staff.
Read the full agenda at the link below:
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You can view the Pullman School District Board of Directors meeting schedule on our website. Board meetings are conducted at Pullman High School in the Board Room starting at 6:30pm and are open to the public. If you are interested in engaging with the school board during the public comment section, please visit our website for more information.
We make every effort to post board meeting packets prior to 5:00pm on the Friday before a board meeting. Please note that the most updated version of a board packet is posted online. No updates are made the 24 hours prior to a board meeting.
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Board Article Submitted by: Nathan Roberts, Board Director District 4
Principal Article Submitted by: Liz Pavlik, Franklin Elementary Principal
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The U.S. News & World Report published their 2026 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools rankings along with the 2025-2026 Best High School rankings, and the news is great for Pullman School District! All four of our elementary schools earned a Best Elementary Schools award, Lincoln Middle School earned a Best Middle Schools award, and Pullman High School earned a Best High School Award because they place among the top 40% in the state.
The elementary and middle schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school.
High schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college.
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- Ranked #1 in Pullman School District
- Ranked #80 in Washington Elementary Schools
- Ranked #2 in Pullman School District
- Ranked #203 in Washington Elementary Schools
- Ranked #3-4 in Pullman School District
- Ranked #269 in Washington Elementary Schools
- Ranked #3-4 in Pullman School District
- Ranked #291 in Washington Elementary Schools
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- Ranked #54 in Washington Middle Schools
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Pullman High School earned high National and metro-area rankings in 2025-2026 Best High Schools. Pullman High School was ranked # 22 in Washington State, and #1,415 in the nation by U.S. World News.
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These recognitions are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of our students, staff, families, and the entire Pullman community. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to excellence in education. |
In honor of October being Bullying Prevention Month, students and staff around the district participated in Unity Day on Wednesday, October 22! |
On October 10, our staff participated in a districtwide Professional Learning Day focused on strengthening relationships and fostering inclusive classroom environments. In partnership with the Pullman Education Association, we were honored to welcome Ben Ibale, Human and Civil Rights Coordinator with the WEA Center for Educational Quality, as our featured presenter.
Mr. Ibale led a session titled “Culturally Responsive Student Engagement and Classroom Management,” designed to help educators build stronger educator-student and student-student relationships through a culturally responsive and relational lens. By focusing on these relationships, our staff aim to increase student hope and resiliency—key drivers of academic confidence and success.
This professional learning opportunity provided strategies and protocols for addressing social and cultural conflicts between students in ways that foster healing, growth, and meaningful learning.
This professional learning day was a valuable opportunity for our staff to learn and grow together as we continue to build inclusive, supportive, and resilient learning communities for all students in our district.
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During the month of October, each public school conducts or promotes educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. See below some examples of how our schools recognized Disability History & Awareness Month this October! |
Students and staff in the Developmental Learning Center (DLC) at Kamiak Elementary created this an amazing bulletin board to celebrate the different ways we all communicate — from gestures and pictures to devices and words — in recognition of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month! |
Pullman High School recognized Disability Awareness Month with a variety of activities to promote understanding and inclusion. Morning announcements featured disability awareness content, posters were displayed throughout the school, and students participated in lunch activities on Unity Day. Additionally, the TVs around the school highlighted adults who have overcome disabilities, celebrating resilience and achievement. |
Jefferson Elementary engaged students in a variety of activities and lessons to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion. Classes explored read-alouds such as Last Stop on Market Street, where students learned how a blind man “sees” with his ears and other senses, and practiced their own listening skills through daily instrumental music exercises with eyes closed. Students also read When Charley Met Emma and Awesomely Emma by Amy Webb to discuss treating others with dignity, accepting differences, and being supportive friends. Additional activities included decorating socks to raise awareness for Down syndrome, watching videos highlighting the talents and opportunities of people with Williams Syndrome, and completing tasks that emphasize how differences don’t define us. Teachers also incorporated books like The Girl Who Thought in Pictures, How to Build a Hug, Different: A Great Thing to Be, and Hi! My Name is Avery to further celebrate neurodiversity. These experiences reinforced kindness, inclusion, and the value of recognizing and celebrating everyone’s unique abilities. |
Sunnyside Elementary celebrated Disability Awareness Month with lessons and activities across all grade levels focused on understanding, inclusion, and empathy. Kindergarten and first grade explored disabilities through mentor texts, short videos, and activities about autism, visual and hearing impairments, and physical differences, including stories about Beethoven, Wilma Rudolph, and Helen Keller. Second grade emphasized kindness and inclusion with books like You Are Enough, activities on learning differences, and ongoing discussions throughout the year. Third through fifth grades read stories and watched videos highlighting perseverance and strategies for living with disabilities, covering topics such as dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum. Students also connected famous individuals to specific disabilities during weekly morning announcements, reinforcing that differences do not define a person’s abilities or potential. |
Visit our website at the link below to access a collection of resources organized by subject to support disability awareness and inclusion. These materials provide insights, guidance, and tools to foster understanding and accessibility across various environments. |
Our elementary students got to visit with WSU's student-athletes to hear valuable lessons on sportsmanship and the importance of academics. We appreciate their time and commitment to supporting our young learners! |
The WSU Brazilian Jazz Trio came to PHS to work with Pullman High School and Lincoln Middle School jazz programs. What an amazing opportunity for our jazz band students to learn from these fabulous performers!
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We extend our sincere thanks to the WSU Center for Civic Engagement for their partnership and support during the recent School Board Community Listening Session. WSU students generously provided child care, helping make the event more accessible for families to participate and share their voices. |
The WSU Chemistry Club hosted 'The Secret Life of Spices' event at LMS this month! Students learned firsthand how chemistry plays a part in everyday life.
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We are grateful to STCU for their generous support of our schools through classroom supply grants! Their contributions help ensure teachers have the resources they need to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students. Thank you, STCU, for investing in our classrooms and helping our students thrive! |
A big thank-you to Phoenix Conservancy for helping our Jefferson 3rd graders plant prairie seeds and learn about restoration and stewardship!
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Thank you to all the organizations that participated in our Resource Fair for families of students with disabilities, 504 plans, or IEPs. Families had the chance to connect with local partners like Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, WSU ROAR, Rural Resources, and more—building connections and support for student success! |
Families and students connected with local organizations offering valuable resources—from flu shots and transportation to youth programs, health services, family support, student clubs and community engagement! We appreciate your support in building a stronger, connected community!
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For hosting Flu & COVID-19 vaccine clinics this month for our students, staff and families! |
The 2024-2025 Washington State Report Cards for Pullman School District and all of our schools are available now. The purpose of the Washington School Report Card is to share information about our K-12 schools with the community.
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Don’t miss Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter — a brand-new play that’s equal parts funny and gothic. Think Pride and Prejudice meets Scooby-Doo in this spooky, smart, and laugh-out-loud comedy!
Location: Pullman High School (510 NW Greyhound Way)
Dates and Show Times:
- November 6, 7:00pm
- November 7, 7:00pm
- November 8, 2:00pm and 7:00pm
- November 13, 7:00pm
- November 14, 7:00pm
- November 15, 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Tickets: $5 Student and $10 Adult
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We are in need of:
- 1st Grade Teacher (Leave Replacement - FES)
- Assistant Transportation Supervisor
- Special Education Teacher (Leave Replacement)
- Building Paraeducator (SES)
- 0.8FTE Speech Language Pathologist (Leave Replacement)
- Regular Route Bus Drivers
- 1.0FTE Occupational Therapist
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Coaches/Advisors:
- Head Wrestling Coach (LMS)
- Pokémon Club Advisor (LMS)
- Assistant Boys Swim Coach (PHS)
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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 submit an employment application, click the button below.
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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
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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 Director of Special Services (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/hib-discrimination
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