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