Homegrown: From Student Intern to Elementary Principal

How One Puyallup High School Graduate Came Full Circle

When students walk through the doors at Meeker Elementary each morning, they are greeted by a principal focused on learning, relationships, and creating opportunities for every child. 

What many may not know is that nearly two decades ago, that same principal was a Puyallup High School student experiencing a very different side of education. 

Before becoming principal at Meeker Elementary, David Couch spent his high school years interning with Puyallup School District’s Capital Projects and Facilities Planning teams while attending Puyallup High School. 

His journey began with a teacher. 

David’s AutoCAD drafting teacher, Mr. Showacy, recognized his interest in design and architecture and recommended him for an internship opportunity with the district. What began as a chance to explore a potential career path became an experience that continues to influence how he understands schools today. 

Beginning in 2002, David worked alongside district staff maintaining building drawings, updating campus plans, and supporting projects across the district. One project he still recalls involved working with staff to number and catalog every room across district buildings into a new maintenance work order system, helping improve the efficiency of repair and support requests. 

He also contributed to planning efforts as district spaces evolved, and departments relocated. 

At the time, David admits he did not fully understand how deeply facilities work impacts teaching and learning. 

“I was only seeing the operations side versus the instructional side,” he reflects. 

That perspective changed over time. 

As he continued through college and into education leadership, David began to recognize something important: every decision in a school building is made with students in mind. 

During his internship, he watched elementary schools like Carson and Edgerton take shape, seeing how intentional design choices supported instruction. 

Today, as principal of Meeker Elementary, those lessons continue to influence his leadership. 

His knowledge of facilities and building systems supports a strategic approach to maximizing instructional space and implementing improvements that benefit staff and students. He brings both operational insight and a dedication to teaching and learning decisions involving space reconfiguration and targeted capital improvements. 

One example was a small capital project request to replace aging hallway flooring at Meeker. 

While flooring itself does not teach students, David recognized something important: school environments shape how students, families, and staff experience learning spaces. 

“It did not reflect the quality of the instructional work being done,” he shared. 

That belief extends beyond appearance. 

David points to technology infrastructure, temperature control, lighting, and building maintenance as essential foundations that allow teaching and learning to thrive. When schools function well, educators can focus on instruction, and students can focus on learning. 

His experience has also given him a broader appreciation for the teamwork required across a district. 

“The biggest lesson I learned was that in order for a district as large as Puyallup’s to be successful, it takes all departments working collaboratively toward one goal: student achievement.” 

Today, David leads with both perspectives: understanding the systems that keep schools running and the instructional vision that helps students succeed. 

His story is a reminder that learning happens everywhere, in classrooms, internships, and through opportunities that help students imagine futures they may not have considered. 

From student intern to school principal, David’s journey illustrates A Tradition of Excellence in action. It shows how investing in students today creates leaders who help shape the future. His story also reflects an intern program that continues to serve students today, offering meaningful, real-world experience and pathways into education careers. It demonstrates the strength of a district where students grow, return, and lead the next generation.