Pullman School District Monthly Newsletter
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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:
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Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
November is traditionally a month of reflection and gratitude, I want to take a moment to share both the challenges we are facing in public education across Washington state and the many reasons we have to be thankful within our schools and community.
Across Washington, school districts continue to experience significant pressures that affect our ability to serve students effectively.
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Funding Gaps: Statewide budget constraints continue to make it difficult for districts to meet rising costs in transportation, utilities, insurance, special education, and staffing. The upcoming legislative session beginning in January will be difficult due to the predicted short fall in funding which may result in additional funding challenges
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Workforce Shortages: Districts in every region across Washington state are struggling to recruit and retain bus drivers, paraeducators, and specialized staff.
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Student Needs: Schools are supporting increasingly complex academic, social-emotional, and post-pandemic recovery needs. The needs of students take time, staffing, and resources to help them reach their full potential.
These issues require thoughtful planning and continued advocacy at the state level to ensure our schools remain strong, equitable, and well-resourced.
Despite these challenges, November offers us the opportunity to pause and recognize the great things that are happening across our schools.
We are thankful for our students, who inspire us daily with their curiosity, resilience, and creativity. Their achievements, both in the classroom and outside the classroom remind us why our work matters.
We are thankful for our staff, who continue to show unwavering dedication to helping every learner succeed. Their professionalism, compassion, and collaboration make our district a place where students feel supported and known.
We are thankful for our families, whose partnership is essential to student success. Thank you for your engagement, your encouragement, and your trust.
We are thankful for our community, whose support of public education helps ensure our schools remain vibrant, welcoming places of learning. From volunteers to business partners to local agencies, your contributions lift up our students every day.
While the path forward will require creativity, advocacy, and continued partnership, I remain optimistic. Our district has a long history of coming together to solve problems and support students, and this year is no different. As we prepare for the second half of the school year, we will continue to focus on student success, responsible stewardship of resources, and clear communication with families and the community.
During this month of gratitude, I hope each of you finds time to rest, reflect, and connect with the people and activities that bring you joy.
Thank you for being part of our school community. Together, we will continue to move forward with hope and purpose.
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As Amanda Tanner and Nathan Roberts complete their terms on the Pullman School District Board of Directors, we want to express our sincere gratitude for their leadership, dedication, and service to our students, staff, and community.
During their tenure from 2018–2025, they played key roles in guiding the district through several major milestones, including the successful opening of Kamiak Elementary, the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC), the construction of the Whitman County Transportation Cooperative and the thoughtful planning that went into the LMS renovation and addition. Their leadership was especially vital as Pullman Public Schools navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing statewide budget shortfalls, and the evolving demands of K–12 education, ensuring the safety, well-being, and continued learning of our students.
Amanda and Nathan’s commitment and vision have left a lasting impact on our district, and we are deeply thankful for their service. We wish them both well on their future endeavors.
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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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Reem Nasralla, who serves as a Special Education Paraeducator at Sunnyside Elementary School, 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.
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Celebrating the achievements of our students, staff, and leaders making an impact in our schools and community.
- 2025 WSSDA Board of Distinction
- Athletics & Activities
- Veteran's Day
- November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month - Pullman School District's Homeless Support Program
- Spotlight on Our Partners in Education!
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Each school year, our principals, with staff input, develop a School Improvement Plan that sets goals for their students and staff.
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- Winter Concert Dates
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December 22 - January 2: NO SCHOOL, Winter 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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In November, the School Board had the privilege of attending the annual Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) conference. All five Directors—including our two newly elected members—were able to participate.
The first day featured essential annual trainings, followed by a variety of breakout sessions covering topics such as student engagement, strategic planning, and fostering positive interactions. This event provided a valuable opportunity for each Director to explore different sessions and gain insights on how to strengthen policy and procedures for our district.
Looking ahead, our December work session will include a full conference debrief. Each Director will share key takeaways and help identify focus areas for the coming year. We’re excited to bring these ideas forward as we continue working to support our students and community.
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At the November 12, 2025 Regular Board meeting, the Pullman School District Board of Directors received reports from Pullman High School's ASB, the superintendent, a showcase from Sunnyside Elementary 5th grade teachers and students, as well as program updates on special education, year-end finances, and the sustainability committee. The Board also recognized the 2025 Excellence in Education award recipient as well as Board Director Nathan Roberts and Board Director Amanda Tanner for their service to Pullman Public Schools.
The board took action on various policies and approved the 2025–26 School Improvement Plans. Discussion items included a review of the DEIB Task Force, bargaining agreements, district charge card procedures, and a proposed purchase and sale agreement for property.
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: Amanda Tanner, Board Director District 5
Principal Article Submitted by: Jerrod Fleury, Pullman High School Principal
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Reem Nasralla, who serves as a Special Education Paraeducator at Sunnyside Elementary School, 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. Reem was recommended for this recognition by Sunnyside Elementary Principal, Pam Brantner, who was so inspired by Reem’s consistent modeling of the district’s core values through her loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to student growth and well-being.
Reem has served the Pullman School District for 10 years! Principal Brantner shared, “[Reem’s] inclusive, compassionate approach with students, colleagues, and families fosters a supportive school environment where everyone feels valued. She leads by example—treating each individual with dignity and kindness, regardless of the situation or challenge. She empowers students daily by focusing on their individual strengths and helping them engage meaningfully in their learning. Her ability to find the positive in each student—no matter how big or small— creates a learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and capable. Her work directly supports our goal of ensuring that every student is both challenged and supported on their path to success. Perhaps one of her most exceptional qualities is her ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships. She connects deeply with students and forms partnerships with teachers, families, and staff to ensure student needs are met. Her natural warmth and professionalism earn her the trust of those she works with, making her an essential part of the school community. In every aspect of her role, Reem advances the mission and vision of the Pullman School District. Her work is not only vital but inspiring—showing us what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and a commitment to excellence.”
Congratulations Reem! Pullman School District thanks you for your many years of service!
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2025 Excellence in Education Award Nominees:
- Lynda Hamilton, Secretary at Kamiak Elementary School. Lynda has served the Pullman School District for 6 years!
- Mei Clark, Special Education Paraeducator at Pullman High School. Mei has served the Pullman School District for 9 years!
- Nicole Drumm, Head Cook at Pullman High School. Nicole has served the Pullman School District for 3.5 years!
Pullman School District thanks you all for your many years of service!
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We are proud to share that the Pullman School District Board of Directors has been recognized as a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA)!
This prestigious honor celebrates school boards that demonstrate exemplary leadership in improving student outcomes, particularly through long-term, strategic efforts aligned with the Washington School Board Standards. The award committee highlighted our Board’s data-driven focus on equity, particularly their work to close the achievement gap for low-income students. Through regular data reviews, our Board identified areas for improvement, established districtwide priorities, and took measurable action — including embedding intervention time through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), refining data metrics to track chronic absenteeism, and investing in tools for real-time student progress monitoring.
Our Board was honored alongside other Boards of Distinction at the WSSDA Annual Conference during the President’s Dinner on Thursday, November 20th, in Seattle.
This honor reflects the dedication of our entire Pullman Schools community. We are deeply grateful for the support and engagement of our staff, families, and community members — and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors for their continued leadership and service to our students and schools.
Please join us in congratulating our Board of Directors for this well-deserved recognition!
To learn more about WSSDA's Board of Distinction Program, visit:
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- PHS Girls Soccer was one win short of a state playoff birth, but finished in 3rd place of the GSL!
- PHS Football advanced to the state playoffs for the first time since the 2017-2018 football season!
- PHS Boys & Girls Cross Country both punched their ticket to the 2A WIAA State Championships placing 9th (Girls) and 12th (Boys) outperforming their projected team finishes!
- PHS Girls Volleyball Team were league champions and finished 2nd at Districts to qualify for the WIAA State Volleyball Championships. They placed 8th at the WIAA Volleyball Championships!
- PHS Girls Swim won the District Championship to qualify 10 swimmers to WIAA State Swim Championships. The Girls Swim Team placed 4th at the WIAA Swim Championships!
Huge congratulations to the PHS Girls Swim program for being named the 2A Fall Academic State Champions with an outstanding team GPA of 3.910!
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In case you missed the PHS Drama Club's fall production of “Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter” - check out the photos below! (Photos courtesy of Hound Central)
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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 from the LMS and PHS Veteran's Day assemblies! |
Pullman Public Schools is committed to helping students who are facing housing instability so they can continue their education without interruptions. Through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the district works to remove barriers that might prevent students from fully participating in school activities, events, and learning.
We aim to partner with families, offering support and resources to help students succeed in school. This includes referrals to community services that can assist with both educational needs and basic necessities.
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to either stay in their current school (the school they attended before becoming homeless) or transfer to the nearest school to where they are living. We also provide transportation to help students stay in their original school if it is in their best interest.
Protection under the McKinney-Vento Act extends to those who lack a fixed, regular, and inadequate nighttime residence. This includes:
- Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
- Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters or transitional housing (this generally includes a time limit on the housing assistance and case management by the housing agency)
- Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
- Children and youth abandoned in hospitals
- Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
- Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)
- Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations
Click the link below for information and resources on our district website at the link below.
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If you believe your children may be eligible, please contact the support liaisons below to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.
- The counselor at your child’s school
- Pullman School District Local Liaison – Paula Bates 509-332-3144 pbates@psd267.org
- For all Washington State technical assistance questions and inquiries, you may contact the McKinney-Vento Office at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360-725-6505 or mckinneyvento@k12.wa.us
- If you need further assistance with your children’s educational needs, you may contact the National Center for Homeless Education at 1-800-308-2145 or homeless@serve.org * NCHE Website
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A big thank-you to the Pullman Police Department for their outstanding partnership with our schools. From providing a memorable escort for our state-bound student-athletes to maintaining a steady presence in our neighborhoods to help keep students safe on their way to and from school, their support is so appreciated!
We also want to thank the Pullman Police Department for their partnership in providing a School Resource Officer for our district. This year, we are excited to welcome Officer Bray to this role! As our SRO, Officer Bray plays a vital part in building positive relationships with students and delivering DARE education that helps guide them toward safe and healthy choices.
We are so grateful for Pullman PD’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community!
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Sunnyside students and families had so much fun working with various community partners to explore different aspects of science, technology, engineering, art, and math at STEAM Night!
Thank you!
- Palouse Area Robotics Team
- Neill Public Library
- Palouse Discovery Science Center
- Community Action Center
- SEL Community—Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
- University of Idaho College of Engineering
- WSU Entomology, & the Neuroscience and Math Departments
Check out some photos from this awesome event!
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Each school year, our principals, with staff input, develop a School Improvement Plan that sets goals for their students and staff. Click the links below to view the School Improvement Plan for each of our schools. |
Locations:
- Lincoln Middle School - LMS (315 SE Crestview St)
- Pullman High School - PHS (510 NW Greyhound Way)
Schedule:
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We are in need of:
- Special Education Teacher (LMS)
- Special Education Paraeducator (PHS)
- Regular Route Bus Drivers
- 1.0FTE Occupational Therapist
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Coaches/Advisors:
- Head Wrestling Coach (LMS)
- Pokémon Club Advisor (LMS)
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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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