Pullman DEIB task force cites student survey and proposes disability representative and monthly community resource fair
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Summary
The Pullman School District DEIB task force reported April 30 that a largely student-driven survey showed positive perceptions of district efforts but identified disability awareness as an area needing improvement and recommended adding a disability-expertise seat to the task force and piloting a monthly community resource fair.
Members of the Pullman School District's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) task force presented survey findings and early recommendations at the April 30 board meeting.
Survey and participation: Task force members Cheyenne Weber and Stephanie Running Hawk Johnson said they collected 454 survey responses, of which 386 were from students (the survey was delivered in a school period), and that family participation was lower because the survey was posted during spring conferences. On a question asking how effective the district's events, activities and materials are in promoting DEIB, respondents selected "somewhat effective" (49%) or "very effective" (39%), with smaller shares calling efforts "somewhat" or "very" ineffective.
Areas for growth: The task force highlighted lower student ratings for disability awareness and accessibility and suggested the board consider adding a task force member with expertise or lived experience in disability inclusion. They also proposed a monthly Pullman School District-hosted community resource event where families could meet local providers and learn about services available to students and families.
Use of results and next steps: The task force said it will use student feedback to evaluate current efforts, expand family participation in future surveys (including running surveys at the start of the school year), and return with a letter to potential community partners to invite them to the proposed monthly resource events. The board indicated it would place related recommendations on the consent agenda at the next meeting so the task force could proceed if approved.
Context: Task force members noted DEIB work is in early stages for the district and that the group meets monthly; the presentation tied the task force's goals to broader efforts to improve reporting of harassment, intimidation and bullying and to expand equitable access to local resources for students and families.
