Pullman board approves personnel report after contentious public comments over athletic director and assistant superintendent hires

The Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors approved the personnel report at its May 2025 regular meeting after more than an hour of public comment urging the district to reconsider recent staffing decisions, including the elimination of a standalone athletic director (AD) position and the planned hire of a full‑time assistant superintendent.

Why it matters: Community members and district employees said the moves affect staff morale and trust in the board’s decision‑making and questioned whether the proposed assistant superintendent hire is necessary given budget pressures and peer‑district staffing levels.

Public comment and board discussion Several parents, teachers and staff urged the board to delay or reject the assistant superintendent hire and to restore or reconsider the AD position. Allison Harris, a parent, said, “I ask that you vote no or delay the vote.” Wendy Krueger, who identified herself as a parent, staff member and taxpayer,…