How PSD Manages Facility Repairs when Funding is Limited

Over a year ago, in February 2025 and again in April 2025, voters were asked to consider school bond measures to address aging school facilities across the district. In both elections, a majority of voters supported the proposals. However, neither election reached the required validation threshold, which means the bonds could not be issued. 

We want families to understand what this outcome means for our schools, how the district plans responsibly without bond funding, and how current funding sources are being used to protect learning environments. 

Thank You for Supporting the 2024 Capital Levy 

The district appreciates voters approving the 2024 Capital Levy. This levy provides essential funding that allows PSD to maintain school buildings and address system-level needs, including: 

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems 
• Roof repairs and replacements 
• Electrical and plumbing systems 
• Playgrounds and site safety improvements 

These investments help keep schools safe, functional, and open for students and staff. 

At the same time, it is important to clearly explain what levy funding can and cannot support. 

Why a Levy Is Not the Same as a Bond 

Capital levies are intended to maintain existing buildings. They are not designed to replace entire schools or complete large-scale modernization projects. 

Bond funding is the main tool available to school districts for major facility investments: 

• Replace aging facilities 
• Expand buildings to address overcrowding 
• Build to support projected growth in the area 

Without bond funding, full school replacements and comprehensive upgrades are not possible. 

Protecting Our Schools Through Asset Preservation 

PSD uses an Asset Preservation Program to regularly monitor and maintain school facilities. This program focuses on identifying and addressing issues early to help prevent more serious and costly problems in the future. 

More information about this program is available here: 
https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/capital-projects/contact-us/story-detail/~board/news/post/protecting-our-investment-understanding-the-asset-preservation-program 

The district also uses building condition scores to evaluate the overall condition of each facility and guide maintenance and repair decisions. Information about these scores is available here: 
https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/capital-projects/contact-us/story-detail/~board/news/post/03262024  

How We Plan Responsibly Without Bond Funding 

When funding is limited, the district must make careful and sometimes difficult decisions. The priority is to ensure that all PSD schools remain safe and operational. This approach can involve: 

• Repairing critical systems at one school while delaying non-urgent upgrades at another 
• Addressing safety risks and potential system failures first, even if comfort or cosmetic improvements are postponed 
• Extending the life of older buildings through targeted repairs instead of full replacements 

These decisions are based on facility data, condition assessments, and long-term planning. They reflect the challenge of balancing limited resources across many schools. 

At times, this approach can appear inequitable because investment levels may differ from one school to another. For example, Mt. View or Waller Road Elementary may require and receive more maintenance and repair funding than Northwood or Dessie Evans Elementary. This is not a reflection of school importance, but of building conditions and risk.  

Limited dollars must be directed to the most critical needs first to prevent failures, address safety concerns, and keep every school operational. Over time, this strategy helps stabilize the entire system rather than allowing the most vulnerable buildings to fall further behind. 

Looking Ahead 

Even without bond funding, the district remains committed to responsible stewardship of public resources and to communicate clearly with families and the community. Planning continues as school facilities need to evolve, with a continued focus on maintaining safe learning environments for students and staff. 

For information about the Capital budget visit our webpage at Capital Budget - Puyallup School District 

For information about short-term school capacity and utilization efforts, visit our SCUT page at http://www.puyallupsd.org/scut  

We appreciate the community’s engagement and continued interest in the future of our schools.