[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6239337,"mediaKeyId","3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f","parentId",3338029,"title","Board approves $150 fee for Pullman High School summer credit recovery with scholarships available","audioSeconds",336,"startMs",4388000,"endMs",4724000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f&start=4388&end=4724","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f/thumbnail_4388000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6239337/Washington/Board-approves-150-fee-for-Pullman-High-School-summer-credit-recovery-with-scholarships-available","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239337-5693dfe7226e86af72f7298451fe659f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935503&Signature=NApmJuj0xUbfjsSpKPQdClMaVtUHFexfOa7D6gWrnKQQWFUVfzVkjHdaiTBhjeKRueBFFex1seTLkCo2XD4hlPoa3~qnSDDLOJrqQjLpybDmYgA7lhKOZBARYWWGtfk5rgabCiFFHXkTcyOvBbyxLspFTKStY2Nkdu2FXLP4fsi2FXfxHC3QMFL58OA6dmRtFQOr5qDfTGdAiO0RKRGdwg85Uw24amPpddq6Fw66dn81mLKJV-7cVS2HhgcjCNdI6rEhVSAjOLeyGlJK~qtT6ELXLc7K~ttC4glh2cRZ~lXenSwIG8z7hd9sghj7pJZ~113VYxjQK5UhHmDHlbookg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pullman School District, WA","date","2025-05-15T14:56:37Z","article","The Pullman School District board approved a $150 per‑course fee for Pullman High School’s summer credit‑recovery program and authorized scholarships for students who cannot afford the cost.

Debbie (Pullman High School staff) and Tammy Sewell presented the proposal. They said the district charged $175 per course before COVID; fees were removed during the pandemic. The program typically enrolls 30–40 students but completion rates have lagged, and staff said in‑person class time and early registration incentives are intended to improve participation and completion.

The nut graf: why it matters — summer credit recovery can allow students to regain required credits without giving up electives during the regular school year; charging a modest fee with scholarships aims to balance program sustainability with access for students who need assistance.

Staff proposed a $150 fee, an early‑bird reduced registration cap, on‑campus time with teachers and building‑funded scholarships. Board members moved to convert the discussion item to an action item so staff could meet enrollment timelines; the motion passed and the fee passed by voice vote. One board member asked about scholarship funding; staff said scholarships would come from the school building’s funds.

Staff said the changes are intended to increase both registrations and successful completions; they noted logistical reasons for earlier registration while counselors and summer staff are still available. No specific enrollment guarantee or budget offset was detailed at the meeting.

Ending: The fee was approved and staff will proceed with registration plans and scholarship administration; the board asked staff to monitor participation and outcomes and report back if needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 14, 2025 Pullman School District Regular Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a $150 per‑course fee for Pullman High School’s summer credit‑recovery program, maintaining scholarships for students in need; staff said about 30–40 students sign up each year but completion rates vary.","taxTitle","Pullman School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",38763,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6239343,"Board approves Option A academic calendars after debate over start day for secondary students",546,3463000,4009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f&start=3463&end=4009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f/thumbnail_3463000.jpg","/articles/6239343/Washington/Board-approves-Option-A-academic-calendars-after-debate-over-start-day-for-secondary-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239343-34ded1f1d0ebb4d19a678b50894e3e63/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935503&Signature=ZxEOCZGPBISEf48agWH5btCNREgVJNnfErIqu~vGGMONfPkJw4Qh0eSYETeUKyHFCOHZWiUx5VSr69G-9aE0qBXcDVdDeF1V7K41GasZCLf~4Gx0p7BatDysb5Xkg3w7tJ-CelpzdIUAwnwuMnf6DkvYLI6cVmOhiKpiv1tLnT9LAX7J7ATskwGdUUvFBPrRh3gQ19jgF8eATyrHAGOtzHWDVYg1w9CAuo7lscp-8qOagq1k5Lkg5EJk3pCLQlSN7d1941BMulvOWxyMvmRsikPd7mB4E6rV1NoSEO6SfvzPfkU7zXavgL3eghk5y5zfCIt4CRTdWd5DBuknRzJfQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pullman School District board approved the 2026–27 through 2028–29 academic calendars using Option A, the calendar option that received the most votes from bargaining units and mirrors the district’s recent scheduling pattern.

Justin, a calendar‑committee representative, explained the committee process and said option A was the bargaining units’ top choice. Board members discussed feedback Justin collected from roughly 60 students and from families: several high‑school students preferred a Monday start rather than a Wednesday because it helps students settle into a full week of classes, while some families prefer the calendar that places potential make‑up days later in the week to allow better planning for vacations and camps.

The nut graf: why this matters — the start and end day choice shapes family schedules, extracurricular planning and coordination with community events; the board noted the choice involves tradeoffs among elementary, secondary, staff and community preferences.

Board members referenced board policy in the discussion: the district has a standing policy that has historically set the school start near the end of August on a Wednesday, partly to align with community calendars. Several board members suggested future calendar work could consider staggering start dates between elementary and secondary schools to accommodate differing preferences, but they said any policy change would require additional public engagement and formal policy action.

Motion and vote: A board member moved approval of Option A for the covered years; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Board members agreed to revisit community feedback when future calendar revisions are considered well before the next multi‑year calendar cycle.

Ending: The board approved the calendars and asked staff to save community feedback for future calendar work, including the idea of in‑person listening sessions if a policy change is considered.","The Pullman School District board voted to approve calendar Option A (a mirror of recent years) for 2026–27 through 2028–29 after staff and community input; board members discussed student preference for a Monday start and family flexibility around snow‑day scheduling but kept the established Wednesday start date as board policy.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6239347,"Teacher voices and board responses after Athletic Director role change draw concern from staff",176,3228000,3404000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f&start=3228&end=3404","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f/thumbnail_3228000.jpg","/articles/6239347/Washington/Teacher-voices-and-board-responses-after-Athletic-Director-role-change-draw-concern-from-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239347-57bccf6f778d7196eae153858e24934a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935503&Signature=aMP3lTHwNdm073eZ7YjTi-FmBv~IdZ1zVHCtjkvmvITOX7kSHkNrT0FCT~fe7ZUIkQ3fKkpsD8LTq0snfN3GoZUQC1yUhzC49AGVPDP91hyA3Ua-S5gJp9j~tp6aQB72qiFSZOK0fzZcc4RlpcJBYTTSsvRa2kGHdviFEIj6tNClVwpY~YQd8UXuZmbOkHC5OeyEiUmOlX-SAYz4lrx7lb-IJnfmA8Da7WpACRgQktIGgA0adDVvuqmcLH8TlhY5Jix6xtyQpRbDxJCJWJKupwxOsG~LUqdsbce6gQhaBIL53SG5ewUZn1g831b4bDCW~daz7xXDruwLmKq8CyLtaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sherry Comp, a Pullman High School math teacher of nearly 26 years, used public comment to urge the board to acknowledge the staff impact of changing the high‑school athletic and activities director position and to restore greater transparency in personnel decisions.

Comp told the board she was “disappointed by the outcome” of the earlier personnel decision and said the district’s decision not to publicly acknowledge an award earned by the staff member affected felt like “a discouraging message.” She said the staff member “did not seek out the position” but accepted it as a team player and “worked tirelessly.”

The nut graf: why this matters — the board’s recent budget‑driven restructuring (discussed earlier during the budget presentation) included changing the athletic director role to a split assistant principal/AD role; that decision prompted several public commenters and board follow‑ups focused on student mental health, the value of volunteers, and recognition of staff service.

Board members acknowledged the emotional response. Board member Lisa summarized outreach after the prior meeting: “I was just really incredibly moved by all the comments from people at the meeting,” she said, and added that she was “impressed by the students who spoke up really eloquently and emotionally.” Lisa said the district is trying to “cut positions without cutting people” where possible and is discussing ways to publicly acknowledge volunteers and staff contributions as budget pressures continue.

Other board members said they had held follow‑up conversations with community members to explain the process and described steps to support the person taking the new split role so activities and athletics remain supported during the transition. The board did not change its prior personnel action during this meeting.

Comp asked the board to revive in‑person listening sessions with teachers and staff; she thanked the board for a community listening session held in March and requested more direct face‑to‑face opportunities to share concerns. Board members encouraged continued dialogue and suggested staff and teachers use established channels to bring forward concerns for follow up.

Ending: The exchange was part of a broader meeting where budget constraints and staffing changes were the primary drivers of personnel restructuring; the board indicated it would continue community engagement, but no reversal or formal policy change was made at the meeting.","A math teacher and multiple board members addressed the board about the district decision to change the high‑school athletic director position to a split role; speakers described emotional responses from students and staff and urged clearer public recognition for staff accomplishments.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6239352,"Pullman School District projects roughly $1M shortfall as insurance, utilities and enrollment pressures mount",391,1012000,1403000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f&start=1012&end=1403","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3338029-f426c80879302496229c78f1698cc90f/thumbnail_1012000.jpg","/articles/6239352/Washington/Pullman-School-District-projects-roughly-1M-shortfall-as-insurance-utilities-and-enrollment-pressures-mount","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239352-45c3703b7efe5cf653911b67fbc35e3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935503&Signature=WAMFnoE-omI-x-WWkENlxuYPWgiTuIFotks7ETlvGQ4cMH3acGXtcnCraMtNxuZMsAlS11iieiWt0ZyEZ-4KpXBHlOgWJhilmqyuVKJFZx7lXi2~83Xc-~fo3gmqCY98H~WHUN3k83RUKSFcvybFi72lGR0fgeej967gLmfWJutUN7FKVrpgcu2y6yNmchylB7Jbs13VSvmdByrcoy1OzPy8Uck~rF~FnKhDHzE-Z9IN17bL5plwrdRvAr0qaJFrJ9l8diHoksphTswIuqvBAEcQnR99P-R6jyEDSpK-hSstJoF4tpD5qFDiSNPqxM0fboohNs6m4WII08A1xKCyzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pullman School District leaders told the board they expect to need roughly $1 million in budget adjustments heading into the 2025–26 fiscal year as rising insurance and utility costs, falling funded full‑time equivalents and changes to state local‑effort assistance squeeze the general fund.

At a board meeting where the district presented its long‑range budget outlook, Superintendent Dr. Robert Maxwell said the district had at one point anticipated identifying “up to 1,300,000 in additional, adjustments,” and that after initial reductions the shortfall now looks closer to $1,000,000. The presentation stressed that the district had been drawing on reserves and must rebuild its fund balance to avoid a state “binding condition.”

The nut graf: why it matters — state funding formulas and local assessed value shifts determine most K‑12 revenue in Washington. The district said those formulas and sudden cost increases are forcing position reductions, reliance on attrition and other cost controls that could affect staff and programs unless the Legislature or federal funding conditions change.

Details the board heard: Business manager Diane (last name not provided) detailed sharp increases in insurance and utilities. She said building insurance climbed about 40% in one year, then another 32%, and that insurers recently notified the district of an additional 9% increase. Diane provided a per‑employee figure for the 2025–26 insurance obligation under current rules: “insurance goes up per FTE, $15,684 per employee,” she said, noting that the district must provide benefits to any employee exceeding 630 hours and that those costs are unfunded by the state.

Diane and Maxwell also reviewed enrollment and funding mechanics. The district distinguishes head count (students enrolled) from funded FTE (full‑time equivalents used for state apportionment); Maxwell explained students in Running Start or half‑time programs count in head count but yield partial FTE funding. The presentation showed a multi‑year decline in FTE and that, while 81 students transferred out in 2024–25 and 78 transferred in, the FTE line remains the budget driver.

Local effort assistance (LEA) changes also reduced expected revenue. Diane said the district received an unexpected assessed‑value increase that reduced the state’s LEA payment; she described a 23.13% jump in assessed valuation that eliminated an expected ~$300,000 payment and left the district with only about $220,000 for part of the year. The district characterized that swing as partly responsible for the current revenue gap.

The presentation listed actions the district is pursuing: reduce positions by attrition where possible (the district reported 11.8 certificated FTE and 5.57 classified FTE reductions already), assess department/building budgets for savings, continue water‑conservation and fleet projects to cut operating costs, partner with local nonprofits for supplies, and advocate in the next legislative session for funding formula changes. Diane said the district’s goal is to restore an 8–10% ending general fund balance over the next four years and to maintain a district policy minimum fund balance of 7.5%.

Board members pressed for clarity on substitutes, special programs and federal funding. Diane noted the state provided $74,916 for certified substitutes in 2023–24 but the district spent approximately $312,000 for certified subs and $81,000 for classified substitutes; she said substitutes and certain federally funded positions are not fully covered by the state formula. On federal funding, district staff said possible reductions or consolidation of Title programs could affect staffing that is currently supported by federal dollars.

Next steps and risks: Maxwell and Diane warned that without additional revenue or legislative relief the district will proceed with further budget adjustments that could include involuntary transfers or eliminations of positions. They encouraged continued public engagement and said detailed budget decisions would return to the board for action.

Ending: The board scheduled continued finance‑committee review and public outreach; district staff asked the public to consult the district budget webpage and upcoming input surveys for details and opportunities to comment.","Superintendent and business manager told the school board the district faces rising insurance and utility costs, a drop in funded full‑time equivalents, and changes to local effort assistance that together require roughly $1 million in budget adjustments through 2025–26 unless state funding changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves $150 fee for Pullman High School summer credit recovery with scholarships available

Board approves Option A academic calendars after debate over start day for secondary students

Teacher voices and board responses after Athletic Director role change draw concern from staff

Pullman School District projects roughly $1M shortfall as insurance, utilities and enrollment pressures mount