New Portable Classrooms Roll into Puyallup High School

This week, Puyallup High School (PHS) saw the arrival of semi-trucks, welcoming new, massive portable classroom buildings. These double-wide structures turned heads as they were carefully delivered and installed, signaling a big step forward in addressing the school’s immediate space needs.

The addition of three double-portable units comes after the 2023 Library-Science Building (LSB) closed at the school, deemed too costly to repair. These new classrooms provide functional learning spaces for students while the district works on long-term solutions to address overcrowding and aging facilities. Portable classrooms are a temporary yet crucial measure to ensure that students continue to have the space and resources they need to learn and thrive.

The Library-Science Building, constructed in 1962 and modernized more than 35 years ago, consisted of a single-story library wing and a two-story classroom building that served the school’s science program needs. After more than 60 years of service, the building was closed due to the significant cost of repairing its failing systems. With repair estimates reaching multi-millions of dollars in anticipated costs, district leaders and the Puyallup School Board made the decision to prioritize taxpayer funds for more sustainable and practical solutions.

The installation of portable classrooms is designed to alleviate the challenges created by the closure. Puyallup High School, a community cornerstone for more than 100 years, faces significant issues related to aging infrastructure and overcrowding. Initially constructed in 1927 and last modernized in 1995, the main campus building struggles to meet the demands of a growing student body. Overcrowding has forced students into portable classrooms and created logistical challenges, such as crossing public streets for certain classes. Additionally, the campus lacks sufficient science labs, athletic fields, and parking to meet district educational standards or adequately serve students from the Puyallup Valley and North Hill areas.

To address these pressing issues, the Puyallup School Board is drafting a proposed bond resolution, set to be presented at the December 9, 2024, school board meeting. The resolution includes funding to replace the closed Library-Science Building with a new three-story structure, expand the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building on the PHS campus, and reduce reliance on portable classrooms. These proposed improvements would provide modern classroom spaces, enhance campus safety, and upgrade infrastructure to accommodate up to 1,800 students. These investments aim to support academic success and meet the ever-evolving needs of the Puyallup High School community.

For more information about this project and the proposed bond, visit PuyallupSD.org/bac.