School Capacity and Utilization Task Force (SCUT)

As part of the Puyallup community, we are aware of the rapid growth in the area and the challenges it poses for our schools. As we look towards the future, we're concerned by the data, which indicates that all our elementary and high schools are over our built classroom capacity. PSD projects that our high schools will exceed our built capacity in 2028.

Our schools support more students than we have classrooms for inside our buildings. Although portable buildings are helping to alleviate space issues at many sites, there are several limiting factors that we need to consider, including: 

• Class size targets limit the seats we can assign to each class. 
• Physical building space, including classrooms in our school buildings and portable classrooms. 
• Property limits to the number of portables we can add to a location, including water, sewer, restroom availability and access, and security. 

Without additional Bond funding for school construction, this issue requires urgent, creative attention and action to provide our students with the best learning environment. 

The Puyallup School District is working with a diverse group of students, parents, staff, and community members to address school space and capacity needs.

The School Capacity and Utilization Task Force will provide recommendations that support current and projected enrollment, building capacity, and address space issues within our existing facilities until future capital projects are funded and constructed. 

The Task Force will review information on the following topics, among others, as it considers interim solutions to ensure our buildings have the capacity to support students: 

• School attendance boundaries 
• Location of districtwide programs 
• Student attendance waivers (existing, new, and transfers) 
• Alternative housing strategies 
• Alternative grade configuration models Building condition and future building sustainability. 

2025-2026 School Year

As part of the School Consolidation and Utilization Team (SCUT) process, the School Board approved a recommendation earlier this year directing SCUT to conduct a feasibility study the potential impact of closing Spinning and Waller Road Elementary Schools. This feasibility study includes developing an alternative housing plan for students currently residing within the affected attendance areas. SCUT is scheduled to present a final report with findings and considerations to the Superintendent and School Board no later than January 2026, with preliminary updates planned for the December 12 School Board Study Session.

It is important to emphasize: no decision has been made to close either school. This is strictly a feasibility study to explore possible implications, such as effects of student enrollment, staffing, families, and transportation, in the event that school closures are considered in the future. The Board has not received any recommendation to close either school. The work of SCUT is exploratory and data-driven, ensuring the Board has the necessary information to make informed decisions, should that need arise.

School Capacity and Utilization Task Force (SCUT) meeting archive