Breaking Down Puyallup School District’s Property Tax Rate for 2025

Starting in 2025, property owners in the Puyallup School District will pay $4.14 per $1,000 of assessed property value (plus $.07 per $1,000 for a County adjustment for prior years’ assessments). This rate was approved by voters in February 2024 as part of the Capital Levy, which supports critical educational and facility needs. 

The $4.14 rate funds three key components essential to maintaining and enhancing public education in the district: 

1. Educational Programs and Operations Levy (55% of the Tax Rate) (Operating Budget) 
   
   The largest portion, approximately $2.29, supports the district’s Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy. This essential funding bridges the gap between state funding for basic education and the actual needs of students and schools. It covers day-to-day expenses, including staffing, educational materials, and classroom equipment.  
    
2. Previous Bond Projects (25% of the Tax Rate) (Capital Budget) 
   
   Approximately $1.05 of the tax rate will continue to fund the voter-approved 2015 bond projects, which included replacing Firgrove, Sunrise, and Northwood Elementary Schools, expanding Hunt and Shaw Road Elementary Schools, and building Dessie Evans Elementary. 
   
   Efficient management of district funds allowed for additional state-funded projects, including expansions at Ballou, Ferrucci, and Stahl Junior High Schools, Pope Elementary, and the construction of the Kessler Center, which houses key district programs. 
    
3. Capital Levy Projects (20% of the Tax Rate) (Capital Budget) 
   
   Approximately $0.85 will go toward addressing 906 critical district-wide projects. These include building improvements, technology upgrades, safety and security enhancements, and outdoor program improvements. Voters approved this funding in 2024 as part of a six-year capital levy. 
   
   As the district pays off existing debt, property tax rates naturally decrease. During these periods, we often ask the community to renew its commitment to supporting local schools through new levies or bonds. The goal is not to increase how much you pay but to maintain a stable tax rate that ensures consistent funding for essential educational services and facility improvements. This approach helps us provide a steady level of service and educational opportunities for all students, fostering a strong and vibrant learning environment.  

These figures are approximations based on information from the ESD 112 Facilities Funding Report, which typically provides estimates each fall. The Pierce County Assessor* finalizes property values the following January, which may fluctuate depending on market trends. While ESD 112's estimates are based on the most current data available, actual numbers may vary slightly. However, they are generally within one or two cents of the final values. These numbers also assume a renewal of the EP&O levy in 2026. 

By understanding how property tax rates are structured, Puyallup community members can see how their contributions support the education of local children, maintain school infrastructure, and ensure educational programs remain robust and responsive to student needs. 

School funding is a joint state and local effort  

In the fall of 2023, the Washington State Supreme Court clarified that funding for school construction is not part of “basic education” or solely the state's duty; it is a joint effort between local communities and the State Legislature. To learn more about state match, visit our website at Understanding the Impact of State Match Dollars for School Construction  | School Construction & Planning News - Puyallup School District 

Long-term Planning 

Thank you for your support, voters. Proposition 1 received over 63% approval, but unfortunately, the bond did not meet the validation requirement and has failed. 

On Monday, Feb. 18, Puyallup School Board approved placing a bond measure on the April 22, 2025, special election ballot. This bond aims to address critical needs, including overcrowding, aging facilities, and the district’s continued growth. 

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

For the bond measure to pass in Washington state, it must meet two key requirements: validation and approval. 
 

• Validation: In Washington state, at least 40% of the voters who participated in the previous November general election must turn out to vote on the bond measure. 
   
• Approval: Of those who vote, the bond must receive at least 60% + 1 "yes" votes to pass. 

Since voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was higher than usual, the number of votes required to validate the bond election is also higher. This means the bond measure’s success depends not only on strong voter participation but also on achieving a supermajority approval within our district. 

To learn more about Proposition 1, visit our website at http://www.puyallupsd.org/bond 

We are grateful for the support from our PSD families and community. We remain committed to addressing the challenges our district faces with or without bond funding and will consider all options to ensure our students can continue to find success and thrive in a district faced with aging facilities and overcrowded high schools.  However, we also continue to face challenges, including:  

• Continued overcrowding at Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, and Rogers High School, as well as in several of our elementary schools, and  

• The voter-approved rate of $4.14 will remain in place for the six-year duration of the Capital Levy, and future bonds may require tax increases to meet the same needs. 

As we move forward, we are grateful for the approval of the 906 Capital Levy projects in 2024, which are already making essential life cycle improvements across our facilities.  

To learn more about your property taxes on the Pierce County Assessor’s website at Assessor - Treasurer | Pierce County, WA - Official Website 

Learn how to calculate your tax rate on our website at Understanding the $36.25 per Month Calculation: A Breakdown of the 2024 Capital Levy’s Impact on Your Taxes | School Construction & Planning News - Puyallup School District

* Limited-income individuals and people experiencing disabilities, or other recognized circumstances, may qualify for tax relief, exemption, or deferral. 

Call the Pierce County Tax Exemptions Office at (253) 798-2169 or visit the Pierce County Elections website to apply for this exemption.  

*The Pierce County Assessor’s Office released the 2025 tax rates on January 9, 2025, with taxable values set at $2.29 for the EP&O levy, $1.05 for the 2015 bond, and $0.85 for the 2024 capital levy.