Industry Leaders Visit Puyallup’s 2015 Bond Schools

On Friday, members of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) visited four of Puyallup School District’s completed capital projects—Pope Elementary, Firgrove Elementary, Ballou Junior High, and the newly constructed Kessler Center—as part of the organization’s Future Forward regional conference.

The visit wasn’t just a tour—it was an opportunity to showcase how voter trust, responsible fiscal management, and forward-thinking design came together to deliver meaningful outcomes for students, staff, and the community.

Thanks to the support of Puyallup voters who approved the 2015 school construction bond, six schools across the district—Dessie Evans, Sunrise, Hunt, Firgrove, Pope, and Northwood Elementaries—were replaced or renovated. Every single one of these projects was completed on time and under budget. This is a significant achievement in an era of volatile construction costs, labor shortages, and shifting timelines.

The district’s strong financial stewardship did more than deliver on promises—it unlocked opportunity. The savings and efficient bond management qualified PSD for additional state match funds, which in turn funded five more major projects: additions at Ballou, Stahl, and Ferrucci Junior Highs, and the construction of the new Kessler Center. Without these funds, the district would likely have needed to run another bond to complete these essential expansions.

The A4LE site visit included a look at projects funded by both bond dollars and state match:

• Pope Elementary: Full school replacement, funded by the 2015 voter-approved bond.
• Firgrove Elementary: Full school replacement, also bond funded.
• Ballou Junior High: Expanded and modernized with state match funds.
• Kessler Center: Built entirely with state match funds, this innovative facility supports Puyallup Digital Learning and students with unique learning needs.

In addition to core building replacements and expansions, several enhancements from 2014 Capital Levy were rolled into the 2015 bond scope:

• 39 portables were relocated to better support programs.
• Buildings were made “solar ready” and met new energy code standards.
• Energy conservation upgrades included lighting improvements, controlled receptacles, and emergency battery backup systems.
• Significant site and infrastructure upgrades were completed, including stormwater systems and utility improvements.

Brady Martin, Director of Capital Projects, emphasized the value of the visit:

“When we have the chance to show our schools to industry leaders, it’s more than a tour—it’s proof that thoughtful planning and community trust deliver results. These new buildings aren’t just modern—they’re transformative. They elevate the way we teach and lead by giving our educators the tools and spaces they need to support every student.”

The visit aligned with A4LE’s 2025 conference theme, Future Forward, which emphasizes the urgent need for adaptive, sustainable, and student-centered learning environments. As a national leader in school facility planning and design, A4LE’s mission is to strengthen learning through better environments. Their visit underscores the impact that well-planned, well-executed capital projects can have on educational outcomes.

As we look to the future of education and school construction, the work done under the 2015 bond stands as a model for success—not only for what was built, but for how it was accomplished: with transparency, efficiency, and integrity.

To our voters—thank you. Your support has reshaped the learning landscape in Puyallup for generations to come.

Despite the overwhelming success of the 2015 bond projects, the district's most recent bond measures—on February 11 and April 22—did not pass. At the same time, many of our school buildings face age-related deficiencies, projected system renewals, and the growing need to comply with Washington State’s Clean Buildings Act mandates.

To continue modernizing our facilities and meet today’s standards for safety, efficiency, and student learning, future funding will be essential.

We’re asking our community to help determine the path forward.

• Follow and share posts on Foundations for Our Future social media to stay informed about upcoming projects and budget needs
• Participate in our "Question of the Week" to share what matters most to you

Your voice will shape our next steps. Let’s plan—together.