Board members discussed mask mandates lifting and curriculum changes during a Pullman Public Schools meeting Wednesday night. 

Mask Mandate Updates

Superintendent Bob Maxwell said students and faculty members are still required to wear masks until March 21. Masks will be optional indoors after the mandate is lifted. 

“All current health and safety mitigation measures will continue until further notice,” Maxwell said. “That includes hand washing, physical distancing, testing, isolation and quarantine.”  

Rachna Narula, mother of a Pullman High School student, said she is concerned about the optional masks. She encouraged the school board to consider implementing their own mask mandate after the state-wide mandate is lifted in order to protect students, faculty and those who are immunocompromised. 

Maxwell said the school district is waiting to receive additional written guidance about the mask mandate. The Washington State Department of Health will put out additional information on the subject March 7. 

Jefferson Elementary Collaboration

The school board welcomed Jefferson Elementary School staff members, who shared takeaways from a recent conference they attended. 

Niki Wolf, Jefferson Elementary reading and math instructional specialist, said they discussed initiatives that focused on incorporating equity and diversity in their curriculum. 

New Additional Courses

Assistant Superintendent Roberta Kramer and the school board approved a new engineering essential course at Pullman High School.

Kramer said adding the engineering course will increase engineering opportunities in the school district and equip students looking to go into a related field.