The Hoquiam School District is facing growing scrutiny as allegations of administrative corruption and mismanagement threaten to overshadow the school year for students, athletes, and the broader community.
Concerns have recently come to light following a series of social media posts from parents, highlighting issues they say have created an environment of instability and distrust within the district.
Jeramy Pullar, a local parent and outspoken supporter of Hoquiam athletics, emerged as one of the most vocal critics of district leadership.
In a Facebook post that has since drawn significant attention, Pullar expressed frustration over the district’s handling of personnel and policies, claiming the actions of Superintendent Mike V. have directly impacted the senior football players’ experience.
Pullar wrote,
“I’m super bummed out. This is not the senior year I envisioned,” “Thanks to this superintendent, the seniors are not able to enjoy the school year that they deserve. The district is in turmoil. Friendships are being lost. Multiple coaches are on administrative leave.”
Jeramy Pullar
Pullar criticized the administrative leave of head football coach Jeremy McMilan, who he says had been a consistent presence for his son and other student-athletes.
Jeramy claimed that assurances were made last spring, and even weeks before leaving McMillan, that he would remain in his role, only to have those assurances broken.
He said,
“This is a good ole fashion witch hunt,” “I never had any intention of being a voice for those too scared of the system, but I never believed systems were this corrupt at the local level. I’ve had so many parents and former parents reach out, and I feel obligated to lead them. It’s about doing the right thing. I gave them a chance. I was patient. But it’s my kid’s mental health they are screwing with.”
Jeramy Puller
Other parents have also raised their concerns, pointing to inconsistent policies, lack of communication, and what they perceive as favoritism toward certain staff members.
Kayla Dhooghe, another parent, also highlighted her frustration with the district’s delayed responses and the sudden implementation of new policies, which she claims primarily serve to protect administrators rather than students. She wrote,
We are personally tired of the delayed responses, the silence, and the missing correspondence from Hoquiam School District. Has anyone else noticed how “many new policies” suddenly appear? Policies are bent to protect the administration, not the students. Even the superintendent has admitted policies aren’t black and white, but “grey.” That “grey” area is how they avoid accountability. This year we tried to transfer our girls to Montesano just to get them out of a district that is corrupt and poorly run. They wonder why enrollment is dropping, maybe it’s because even employees who live in Hoquiam send their kids elsewhere. Look at the empty student section at games. Look at the empty parking lot. The community is disengaging, and that is heartbreaking to see. We need a change 2017-2026 is long enough.
Kayla Dhooghe
Social media responses to Pullar’s posts show a mix of support and concern from other parents and community members.
Rachel Stevenson, a graduate of Fosbre Academy, offered encouragement to the students affected, while LaDawn Brittany, a graduate of Yelm High School, expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing situation, noting that the issues seem to be escalating rather than resolving.
LaDawn Brittany wrote,
I am so sorry Ryan is going through this. He has worked far too long and far too hard. I really thought this would have ended by now, but it’s only gotten more and more ridiculous.
LaDawn Brittany
Some parents, like Jim L. Monroe, are seeking ways to help and understand the full scope of the situation. Monroe acknowledged existing frustrations with district policies and expressed interest in supporting students who recent administrative decisions have impacted.
He wrote,
I saw J Mack wasn’t coaching. Fill me in. I didn’t like the school policies when JJ was there but seems it’s worse now. Anything I can do?
Jim L. Monroe
Moreover, parents argue that the current environment, compounded by the suspension of coaches and administrative conflict, is causing unnecessary stress for students, particularly those in extracurricular programs such as football, where team cohesion and leadership play important roles.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jeramy Pullar is originally from Montesano, Washington, and lives in Hoquiam, Washington. He went to Montsano Junior/Senior High School and has been serving as the service center manager at Bruce Titus Automotive Group since March 15, 2022.
- He was married to Wendy Pullar on September 28, 2013.
