As the Puyallup School District (PSD) embarks on its second attempt to pass Proposition 1 on the April 22 ballot, it’s important to reflect on the success of the 2015 bond measure, which was instrumental in replacing or renovating six aging elementary schools across the district. The 2015 bond not only delivered critical improvements but also demonstrated how careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars can maximize impact and leverage additional state funding.

An Investment in Schools

Thanks to the community's trust and investment in 2015, all voter-approved projects were completed on time and under budget. The funds were carefully managed to ensure the maximum benefit to the district, and through excellent financial oversight, PSD was able to secure state matching funds. These funds were then strategically used to finance five additional projects, which included additions at Ballou, Ferrucci, and Stahl Junior High Schools, an addition at Shaw Road Elementary, and the new Kessler Center, helping the district avoid the need for an additional bond for those expansions.

The success of these projects is a testament to the value of thoughtful, community-driven investments in our schools and the lasting impact they have on students, families, and the overall community.

Spotlight on Completed Projects

Here’s a look at just a few of the schools that benefited from the 2015 bond. All projects were delivered on time and on budget:

• Dessie F. Evans Elementary: Opened in Fall 2019, this state-of-the-art facility is the largest elementary school in Washington, boasting 44 classrooms and 21 project rooms. The school honors the legacy of its namesake, Dessie F. Evans, who spent 33 years teaching in the district.
   
• Sunrise Elementary: This replacement school, which opened in Fall 2019, replaced the original school built in 1973. The new, green-built facility includes 30 classrooms and serves 730 students. Thanks to its energy-efficient design, the school is part of the district’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
   
• Hunt Elementary: A 12-classroom, 16,000-square-foot addition, funded by the 2015 bond, opened in Fall 2018. This expansion ensures that the school can continue to meet the growing needs of the community, adding more space for students and modern learning environments.
   
• Firgrove Elementary: Opened in Fall 2019. The renovation and expansion project replaced outdated facilities with a modern 97,000-square-foot school. It includes 30 classrooms, four special education classrooms, and sustainable building features that ensure it meets the district’s high-performance standards.
   
• Pope Elementary: Completed in Fall 2020, the expansion and modernization of Pope Elementary School increased its capacity to accommodate 30 homeroom classrooms and new facilities for music and special education programs. The project also included significant site improvements, benefiting the entire school community.
   
• Northwood Elementary: opened in Fall 2019, provides 83,000 square feet of space, including 30 classrooms and 15 project rooms. The new building, designed to accommodate 730 students, is another example of PSD’s commitment to high-performance, environmentally sustainable school facilities.

State Match Funded Projects: Advancing Education Facilities

Thanks to the support of local voters, a number of school improvement projects have been completed or are in progress, with funding assistance from the state of Washington. These projects are designed to improve educational environments, expand capacity, and enhance the safety and functionality of schools.

What Are "State Match Dollars"?

State match dollars are a form of financial assistance provided by Washington State to help school districts build or modernize facilities. The state allocates funds based on the square footage needed per student, which varies depending on the grade level. However, the state typically covers only a portion of the costs, leaving the remainder to be funded by local taxpayers through bonds or levies.

Completed Projects Funded by State Match Dollars

Several projects funded by the 2015 state match funds have already been completed, enhancing the capacity and modernizing facilities across the Puyallup School District.

• Ballou Junior High Addition A 200-student addition was completed, increasing capacity to 1,000 students. The addition included seven classrooms, two science rooms, a new library, and an auxiliary gym. Ballou Junior High, originally built in 1970, was named in honor of Frank H. Ballou, a local educator who spearheaded the consolidation of Firgrove Elementary with the Puyallup School District.
   
• Ferrucci Junior High Addition The addition of 18,000 square feet, including ten classrooms, an office, and commons area expansion, and removal of portables, was completed. Safety and security were enhanced with a secure vestibule at the entry. Opened in 1982, Ferrucci Junior High was named for Dr. Vitt Ferrucci, a long-time community leader, veterinarian, and former School Board Member.
   
• Stahl Junior High Addition Stahl Junior High's expansion added 16,000 square feet, including six general education classrooms, two science classrooms, and special education spaces. The project also included renovations to 9,000 square feet of existing space. Opened in 1993, Stahl Junior High is named after Doris M. Stahl, a dedicated educator who served the district for over three decades.
   
• Shaw Road Elementary Addition received a 16,000 square foot, 12-classroom addition, providing additional space for students and staff. Established in 1992, Shaw Road Elementary is located on the eastern side of Puyallup and was named after the Shaw family, early settlers in the area.
   
• Kessler Center on South Hill is a multi-purpose student service center, housing Puyallup Digital Learning, Child Find, Highly Capable, and Special Services. Consolidating these programs into one facility improves efficiency, saves costs, and reduces the need for leased building space. The facility also provides a state-of-the-art audio-visual control conference room, which is used for School Board meetings. 

Learn more about our 2015 Bond projects on our website at  https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/capital-projects/bonds

A Commitment to Our Current Needs

Puyallup School District (PSD) is at a critical juncture as we continue to grow and evolve. While the 2015 bond projects laid a strong foundation, our current needs require immediate action to ensure we can continue to provide quality education and safe, modern facilities for our students. As our community grows, so do the demands on our schools, and we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on.

Proposition 1 represents a key investment in meeting these needs. Through careful planning, we have identified crucial projects that will not only improve the learning environments but also prepare PSD for the future. As Puyallup continues to grow, Proposition 1 represents an important investment in our schools, ensuring that facilities meet the needs of both current and future students. Through thoughtful planning and a commitment to maintaining tax stability, Proposition 1 addresses growth and aging facilities.

This is our second attempt at presenting Proposition 1 to voters. While the measure received more than the required 60% approval margin by voters in the February 11th special election, it did not meet the required 40% voter turnout for validation.

The proposed $800M bond would seek to maintain the current tax rate of $4.14 per $1,000 of assessed property value through a capital levy rollback, meaning homeowners would not face any increase in their property taxes. This solution allows the district to address immediate infrastructure needs without an additional tax burden. Proposition 1 would span 21 years, prioritizing expanding high school capacity and replacing outdated elementary schools.

Proposition 1 includes seven major projects:

• Expand Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, and Rogers High Schools to address overcrowding.
• Replace Mt. View, Spinning, and Waller Road Elementary Schools to improve aging facilities.
• Build a new elementary school in the Sunrise Master Plan area to support the district’s projected growth.

Passing Proposition 1 means that the district would be eligible for up to $152.9M in state matching funds, allowing the district to address additional school needs identified by the Bond Advisory Committee (BAC).  State matching funds save local taxpayers future improvement costs.

Explore the work of the Bond Advisory Committee on our website — including meeting presentations, notes, and materials, all available for public review. Stay informed and see how community voices are helping shape the future of our schools. Visit: https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/capital-projects/community-participation/bond-advisory-committee

We remain grateful for the support of our community and continue to strive to meet the educational needs of the students of today and tomorrow. Stay tuned for more updates on these important projects and the ongoing efforts to improve the future of Puyallup’s schools.

For more information on Proposition 1, visit the Puyallup School District website or attend an upcoming informational session. Http://www.puyallupsd.org/bond