Pullman Community Update
VOL. 25 | NO. 6 JUNE 2020
CITY OF PULLMAN | PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | PULLMAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL | PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Three Pullman Schools Receive Honors during Washington School Recognition Week The State Board of Education, the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction announced identified schools state-wide to receive recognition. Recognized schools stand out for closing gaps, showing growth, and demonstrating achievement according to new data released by the state. The state has re-imagined the recognition system to highlight schools that have received support and are thriving, and highlight positive systems changes happening all over the state. This year, 391 schools are being recognized. The last week in April (April 27 – May 1) was Washington School Recognition Week. Three schools in Pullman School District have been recognized for their work towards closing the achievement gap: Jefferson Elementary Closing Gaps for one or more student groups. Lincoln Middle School: Closing Gaps for one or more student groups.
Sunnyside Elementary: Closing Gaps for one or more student groups and growth for students in one or more groups. “Pullman Public Schools is honored by the recognition of our efforts to close the achievement gap. Our board and each of our staff members are committed to serving all students and providing a quality education. Thank you to our community for their continued support of our schools,” said Pullman Public Schools Superintendent Bob Maxwell. "Washington schools are inspiring. With these awards we recognize the outstanding efforts of our schools and their positive impact on students,” said Washington State Board of Education Chair, Peter Maier. “The State Board, OSPI, and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee are excited to celebrate the diverse educational communities that support Washington’s ever-changing K-12 student population. Thank you to our state's schools and educators for your dedication to students!”
“The Legislature is dedicated to recognizing the great work Washington schools do,” said Senator John McCoy, of Tulalip, member of the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee and sponsor of this year’s Senate resolution honoring state-recognized schools. “With the current health concerns in our state, we are taking time to thoughtfully and safely celebrate the commitment and success of our schools in serving all students equitably.” “Right now, the whole world is understanding the significance of our public schools,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “Public education provides each student with an opportunity for success; it’s the foundation of our democracy and our society. Next week, we are honoring our educators who are committed to continually improving outcomes for their students. Thank you all for your amazing work.” To learn more about why schools were recognized, and to see the data behind the recognition framework, visit
Developing an Equity Lens for Pullman Public Schools Susan Weed, Board Member The past couple of years the Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors has worked on a Strategic Plan, developed from the ground up. We began planning with a survey of our Community asking our stakeholders, including the community, staff, and administrators, to prioritize goals for the future of Pullman Public Schools. As the board started work on a new strategic plan, District staff worked hard on solidifying a set of Cultural Beliefs. The result was the Pullman Public Schools Cultural Beliefs, developed with input from all staff. The Pullman Public Schools strategic plan, or the “Pullman Promise” is the school board’s guiding plan that shows how we commit to ensuring our cultural beliefs are carried out in the future. One tool we can use to assure the School Board’s decisions are consistent with the Pullman Promise is through the use of an Equity Lens, a lens, or way of looking at things, that assures we have mutual respect through an inclusive culture that values each individual as well as our community diversity. The Pullman School Board started having conversations specifically focused on equity early this year, however, moving board meetings online due to COVID-19 means that we can only take care of essential district business during our online meetings. When we can meet face to face again the Board will have a work session to continue developing our Equity Lens through collaboration, shared decisions made using data and feedback,
cultivating trust through transparency and fiscal responsibility, and taking action with measurable goals and continuous improvement. Developing a Pullman Public Schools Equity Lens through which all our decisions are made will help us achieve our Pullman Promise. An Equity Lens helps us make decisions that ensure that educational opportunities and success are not determined or hindered by race, gender, economic status, or sexual orientation. Differing from equality, equity looks at leveling the playing field, ensuring the starting line does not determine where one finishes. It allows all students to maximize their abilities and potential. Approaching work through an equity lens requires analyzing the impact of internal and external processes, as well as foundational assumptions and interpersonal engagement, on marginalized and underserved individuals and communities. Some things to consider while developing our equity lens: • Every student has the ability to learn • Speaking a language other than English is an asset • Special Education Services are an educational responsibility • Students previously described as “at risk” are the best opportunity to improve outcomes • Intentional, proven practices must be implemented to return out of school youth to an educational setting
• Supporting great teachers is important • Ending disparities and gaps in achievement begin in quality delivery • Resource allocation demonstrates priorities and values, • Shared decision making with communities will improve outcomes • All students should have access to information about future opportunities, • Community colleges and universities play a critical role in serving diverse, rural and ELL communities • Rich history and culture is an asset to celebrate Building a culture of equity requires asking questions through an equity lens and creating meaningful environment for dialogue to ensure that programs, policies and systems built are done so in a manner in which ALL learners needs are met. Your Pullman School Board is looking forward to working face to face again so that we continue developing our Equity Lens.
Board of Directors
Jim Evermann Director, District 3 jfe@psd267.org
Nathan Roberts Director, District 4 nroberts@psd267.org Amanda Tanner Director, District 5 atanner@psd267.org
Allison Munch-Rotolo Director, District 2 Amunch-rotolo@ psd267.org
President Susan Weed Director, District 1 Sweed@psd267.org
sbe.wa.gov/2018-19-schoolrecognition-methodology. For more information about the Washington School Recognition Program: https://www.sbe.wa.gov/2018-19school-recognition-program 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 school facilities 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 employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Roberta Kramer, Assistant Superintendent, Pullman School District Administrative Offices, 240 SE Dexter Street, Pullman, WA 99163, 509.332.3144. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application process by contacting the Personnel Coordinator at (509) 332-3584.
In This Issue… Pullman School District 1-5 Pullman Regional Hospital 6-7 Gladish Community & Cultural Center 8 Spokane Falls Community Colleges 9 YMCA of Pullman 10 Pullman Kiwanis 10 Whitman County Humane Society 12 Pullman Community Council on Aging 12 Pullman Depot Heritage Center 13 Washington State University 14 Crime Victim Service of Whitman County 15 Pullman Chamber of Commerce 16-17 Community Action Center 18
PULLMAN Community Update ccooperpullman@gmail.com