Hundreds of community members urge Pullman board to reverse decision to remove high school athletic director

Dozens of students, coaches, parents and school staff told the Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors on April 30 that they oppose the district's decision to remove Pullman High School's Athletics and Activities Director, and asked the board to ask the superintendent to reconsider.

Public commenters filled the boardroom and a second overflow area to speak during the meeting's public comment period. The testimony described Krueger as a frequent presence at events, an organizer of volunteers and a stabilizing influence for students; speakers said that eliminating her full-time AD position would reduce opportunities and support for vulnerable students.

Why it matters: Speakers said athletics and activities create attachments that help at-risk students remain engaged with school, support mental health and increase graduation prospects. The board said it would move into executive session to hear a formal request for reconsideration and then would reconvene to vote on whether to ask the superintendent to reconsider the personnel decision.

Dozens of commenters spoke. Denise Thompson, a mental and behavioral health counselor at Pullman High School, told the board that extracurriculars connect her students to trusted adults and help provide "normalcy and predictability," and that Krueger "finds them where they are and helps to connect them to other kids and adults that become the family that they are lacking." Haley Fishback, a Pullman teacher and coach, said the combined vice-principal/AD model that previously existed "didn't work" and credited the separate AD role with restoring organization and student support.

Parents and volunteer coaches raised operational concerns. Kelly Stewart, a parent and Whitman County Extension coordinator who helps manage large volunteer rosters in her professional role, warned that cutting the full-time AD would remove the staff capacity that organizes volunteer background checks, training and supervision. Marcus Crossler, a former head wrestling coach, detailed athletics accomplishments during Krueger's tenure, including new programs and state placings.

Students told the board the move would reduce access and morale. Harper Gay, a senior who cheered and played sports, said Krueger helped students with schoolwork and logistics on away trips. Ika Young, a junior and softball player, led a visible demonstration in the room of students standing to oppose the decision.

Board process and next steps: Board President Trey Nelson (speaking during the meeting) said the board would go into an executive session for 30 minutes, hear Krueger's statement asking for reconsideration, then confer and reconvene to take a vote on an action item to "reconsider the transfer of a staff member, Wendy Krueger." The board did not take a final public vote during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript.

Discussion versus action: The public comments were part of the meeting's public comment period; they do not constitute a board decision. The transcript shows the board scheduled an executive session and an upcoming vote about whether to ask the superintendent to reconsider the personnel action; no final board action on that question appears in the record provided.

Community context and concerns: Many speakers said the AD role involves frequent nights and weekend work that cannot be absorbed by another administrator without reducing student services. Shannon Wilson, an assistant principal and AD at another high school, told the board that the job is "24/7" and difficult to do well as an add-on to another role. Several speakers noted Krueger had just received a statewide service award from peers.

The meeting closed the public comment period and proceeded to other agenda items. The board's next public action on the matter was not recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.