Exploring Solutions for Elementary School Capacity Issues in the North Hill Region

During the 11th meeting of the School Capacity and Utilization Task Force, participants dedicated their efforts to investigating the anticipated capacity constraints in North Hill elementary schools. Task force conversations centered on weighing the pros and cons of two potential solutions to mitigate capacity issues: program management and boundary changes between Northwood and Mt. View. While waiver management was considered, it was determined to not significantly impact capacity. 

North Hill student distribution and capacity 

Unlike many Puyallup School District elementary schools, Northwood and Mt. View Elementary serve grades K-5 instead of our traditional K-6 model. Sixth graders attend Edgemont Junior High. Despite a reduced student population at Northwood Elementary, space for at least 50 students is needed for capacity relief. 

One solution investigated program relocation of one of the two programs currently located at Northwood Elementary to Mt. View Elementary: QUEST (highly capable program for 3rd-6th graders) and the Support Center (Special Education classroom providing academic instruction to students with a variety of disabilities ranging from severe to profound).  If the four QUEST classrooms planned for the 2024-25 school year were relocated from Northwood, it would provide four additional classrooms to accommodate its projected enrollment over the next four years.  Similarly, relocating the Support Center would provide two additional classroom spaces at Northwood; however, this move alone would fall short of providing the space needed as projected over the next four years.  A relocation of Kindergarten Academy from Mt. View Elementary back to Northwood Elementary was also discussed. 

Task force members evaluated transitioning fifth grade from Northwood Elementary to Edgemont Junior High. However, concerns were raised regarding the projected 152 students for Northwood's 5th grade by 2027, which could potentially surpass Edgemont's available capacity. Other concerns were voiced about the potential 5th -9th grade configuration. 

Another solution discussed focused on potential school boundary adjustments between Northwood and Mt. View. Two boundary change scenarios were presented to the task force for review and feedback.  Task force members discussed the benefits and challenges of each scenario.  Each scenario would impact existing and future students anticipated from new home construction.  It was noted that transportation for students is more difficult on North Hill when traveling north/south than when traveling east/west. Task force leadership emphasized the significance of balancing waivers and accommodating students within their respective attendance areas to tackle capacity challenges and optimize resources effectively. 

Building Capacity with Portables = 734 
Building Capacity without Portables = 671 
Overcapacity by approx. 50 Students by 2027 

Building Capacity with Portables = 374 
Building Capacity without Portables = 248 
Currently, 95 student capacity 

District staff shared that the Facilities Planning Department has divided the 54 square miles within the district boundary into 237 unique geographies termed “neighborhood tracts.” Within these areas, the "resident" K-12 student population typically ranges between 50 and 150 students. Boundary Planning, a key aspect of the district's operations, involves considering the reassignment of these geographically defined tracts to manage student distribution and optimize school resource utilization. 

During each evaluation, the task force prioritizes considerations central to their discussions. These encompass a range of factors, including funding impacts, such as staffing, transportation, and food and nutrition, which determine the distribution of resources. Moreover, addressing student and community impacts remains paramount, ensuring equity, access, and the overall well-being of the school community, thus fostering an inclusive learning environment. The evaluation of configurations of available space directly influences the functionality and usability of educational facilities, impacting the quality of education and the comfort of students and staff alike. Additionally, aligning proposed solutions with the district's strategic goals is essential, as it ensures contributions to overarching objectives, including promoting academic success, community involvement, staff satisfaction, and overall safety and security within the learning environment. By comprehensively considering these factors, the task force tries to develop holistic and sustainable approaches to tackle capacity challenges in North Hill's elementary schools.  

The task force's 11th meeting provided a platform for deliberating diverse options to tackle the forecasted capacity issues in North Hill elementary schools. Strategic reassignment, program relocation, and waiver management ideas all aim to ensure the best learning environment for all students while keeping the integrity of school boundaries and resources and collaborative efforts to refine and effectively implement the proposed solutions.  

The SCUT will meet again on Thursday, March 28, to start identifying solutions to discuss with the school board at their upcoming study session on April 19.  

To learn more about the SCUT’s work, visit http://www.puyullupsd.org/SCUT