Growth Pressures Drive Plan to Replace Mt. View Elementary

Mt. View Elementary School is facing significant challenges due to a lack of space, aging infrastructure, and an inability to effectively support modern educational practices. Hallways and covered outdoor areas have been repurposed as storage to compensate for the overcrowded classrooms, while portables, located far from the main building, create safety concerns as students need to walk outside for specialist activities. The building, originally constructed in 1966, struggles to meet the evolving needs of today’s students, limiting the flexibility needed to deliver a dynamic and innovative education. The Puyallup School District is proposing the replacement of Mt. View Elementary as part of Proposition 1, a bond measure aimed at addressing these critical issues and increasing student capacity. If approved, the new facility would accommodate up to 500 students and improve parking and traffic flow, ensuring a safer and more effective learning environment for the Edgewood community.

Mt. View Elementary, originally built in 1966 as part of the former Edgemont School District, has served generations of students in the Edgewood and North Hill communities. In 1967, the Edgemont School District consolidated with the Puyallup School District, bringing Mt. View into the larger district system. The school underwent a kindergarten and music addition in 1979, followed by a 1991 remodel that connected several of its separate buildings. This remodel, which was partially funded through a state match, was the last major modernization effort undertaken at the school.

"Replacing Mt. View is critical to ensuring our students have equitable access to safe and modern learning environments," said Principal Eric Molver. "Our current space limitations impact the way we support students, and a new facility would allow us to better serve the growing Edgewood and North Hill communities."

The current facility includes 11 general-use classrooms, a kindergarten room, a special education classroom, and several smaller instructional spaces.  Despite these additions, the campus has struggled to keep pace with enrollment growth, and its infrastructure has aged significantly. In 2012, Mt. View received a building assessment score of 68, below the districtwide average of 76.4, making it eligible for state matching funds for modernization or replacement. The latest assessments have further downgraded its condition score to 40.5 out of 100, categorized as "poor" under Washington Administrative Code guidelines.

"Growth in the Edgewood area is a key factor in our long-term planning," said Brian Devereux, Director of Planning. "As our community continues to expand, the need for updated, larger facilities becomes more urgent. The age and size of Mt. View Elementary significantly impact our ability to effectively serve our students. Replacing Mt. View will allow us to provide a safe, modern learning environment for generations to come."

Enrollment projections suggest that capacity concerns will persist. As of October 2024, Mt. View's enrollment exceeded its capacity by 52 students, with future forecasts estimating similar over-enrollment trends. Northwood Elementary, the only other K-5 school in the district, also faces capacity challenges, projected to exceed its available space by 165 students at its peak enrollment in the coming years.

Mt. View Elementary Building Timeline

• 1966: Opened as part of the Edgemont School District.
• 1967: Edgemont merged with Puyallup School District.
• 1979: Added kindergarten and music rooms.
• 1991: Remodeled, connecting buildings; funded by the 1988 Bond.
• 2011: Eligible for state matching funds for modernization.
• 2025: Proposed replacement and expansion (Proposition 1).

Community Involvement

For over four years, a number of community members, including parents, residents, and professionals in building design and construction, have participated in various advisory committees to evaluate the district's needs. These groups have provided input and guidance that helped shape Proposition 1, which reflects the community’s desire to expand school capacity, modernize facilities, and improve safety.

The district has also identified the need for additional funding to address overcrowding and aging buildings in the face of rapid enrollment growth. The replacement of Mt. View Elementary School is just one example of how the district plans to meet these challenges.

Be an Informed Voter

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.

Voting on April 22 is critical, and every vote matters, regardless of how voters cast their ballots.

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