The School Capacity and Utilization Task Force (SCUT) recently held its third and final meeting of the 2024-25 school year to review and refine recommendations aimed at managing student enrollment and facility use across the district. The task force's updates focus on addressing current capacity needs and planning for the future.

School Board Approves Task Force Recommendations for 2025-26

On March 17th, the Puyallup School Board approved all recommendations presented by the task force, which will impact the 2025-26 school year. Key decisions include:

• Northwood Elementary: The QUEST program (three classrooms) will remain at Northwood Elementary for the 2025-26 school year due to stable enrollment projections and available classroom space. Additionally, the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program (formerly known as Kindergarten Academy) will remain at Mt. View Elementary in 2025-26.
• Glacier View Junior High: The boundary review between Glacier View and Ferrucci Junior High will be postponed until the 2026-27 school year, with potential implementation in 2027-28 or later, based on updated enrollment projections.
• Emerald Ridge High School: Project areas will be converted into classrooms as early as the 2026-27 school year to accommodate continued student growth.
• Rogers High School: Three portable classrooms will be added for the 2025-26 school year to address immediate capacity needs.

Waiver Management Watch List

In 2024, the school board approved waiver management for several schools to ensure adequate space for students within school attendance areas, including those assigned through specialized programs. Schools on the waiver management watch list are projected to exceed 95% of their building capacity, including portables, within the next four years.

The following updates were made to the waiver management list for the 2025-26 school year:

• Removed from the waiver management list: Fruitland and Meeker Elementary Schools
• Added to the waiver management list: Sunrise and Woodland Elementary Schools, as well as Kalles Junior High

Reference: Board Policies 3131/3131R and 3141/3141R

Potential School Closures if Bond Measure Fails

At the March 17 meeting, the Puyallup School Board also approved a general recommendation update. This recommendation directs the task force to develop contingency plans in case the April 2025 bond measure fails. The task force will assess the potential impacts of closing Spinning and Waller Road Elementary Schools and present a report to the superintendent and school board by January 2026.

Next Steps

Community members are encouraged to stay informed and engage in the process by attending upcoming school board meetings and providing feedback.

For more information, including presentation slides and meeting materials, visit the School Capacity and Utilization Task Force webpage at www.puyallupsd.org/SCUT.

Proposition 1 and the upcoming special election on April 22

Proposition 1, a proposed bond measure for April 22, 2025, aims to address school overcrowding and aging facilities. It includes funding for:

• Expansion of Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, and Rogers High Schools.
• Replacement of Mt. View, Spinning, and Waller Road Elementary Schools.
• Building of a new elementary school in the Sunrise Master Plan area.

February 11 Special Election Results: While the bond measure received 63.36% voter approval, it failed to meet validation requirements by 2,784 votes.

To discover more facts and information regarding Prop. 1 visit our website at http://www.puyallupsd.org/bond.

Community Engagement & Patron Tours

The district invites community members to participate in monthly Patron Tours, offering a behind-the-scenes look at school operations. Upcoming tours include:

• April 1: Emerald Ridge High, Rogers High, and Waller Road Elementary
• May 6: Rogers High, Firgrove Elementary, and Dessie Evans Elementary
• June 3: Emerald Ridge High, Ferrucci Junior High, and Ridgecrest Elementary

Tours run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., concluding with a complimentary lunch. Interested participants can sign up using the district’s provided QR code.

As the district navigates growth and facility needs, community participation in upcoming discussions and elections remains vital. Stay informed and engaged in shaping the future of Puyallup schools.

Reserve your spot for an upcoming Patron Tour on our website at https://www.puyallupsd.org/get-involved/patron-tours.