Puyallup School District Updates Educational Specifications to Guide Future School Design

Updated: 8/21/2025

The Puyallup School District (PSD) is updating its Educational Specifications (Ed Specs), a foundational planning tool that guides the design of new schools and modernization of existing facilities. These updates are an important first step in a longer, community, driven process aimed at ensuring school buildings continue to support evolving educational practices, reflect the district’s Strategic Plan, and meet the needs of students, staff, and families well into the future. 

It’s important to note: This is a planning process, not construction or final design. These specifications serve as guideposts, developed at the district level to shape potential future projects. Final design decisions are only made after a project is selected and funded by voters through a bond. 

What Are Educational Specifications? 

Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) translate PSD’s educational vision into specific space, based requirements. These include the type, size, and function of learning spaces, from classrooms and science labs to counseling offices, cafeterias, and shared family resource areas. While Ed Specs do not design specific schools, they create a consistent foundation for what types of spaces should be included in major capital projects moving forward. 

Not all construction projects use Ed Specs. They are typically referenced for new school buildings or major projects over $2 million that require a comprehensive design plan. 

Why Regular Ed Specs Updates Matter 

As learning methods change and student needs grow more complex, PSD’s buildings must keep pace. Updating the Ed Specs ensures that future schools: 

• Reflect modern teaching strategies and support academic achievement 
• Promote health, safety, and wellness for students and staff 
• Meet the district’s equity, inclusion, and sustainability goals 
• Are aligned with the district’s Strategic Priorities 

These updates are especially important as the district considers a future bond measure to fund capital improvements. The revised Ed Specs will help ensure any new investment is rooted in long-term planning, educational best practices, and community values. 

What the Updated Ed Specs Include 

While still in the planning phase, the revised Ed Specs will guide the development of facilities that support the physical space supporting how students learn, how staff teach, and how families connect to schools. Examples of spaces outlined in the current draft include: 

Flexible Classrooms and Shared Learning Areas 

Designed to adapt to a range of teaching styles and group sizes. These areas support both independent and collaborative learning and can be reconfigured as needs change. 

Student Support and Special Services 

Safe, comfortable environments that provide essential services for students receiving academic interventions, special education, or English language support. 

STEM and Career & Technical Education Labs 

Modern, purpose-built labs for programs like robotics, engineering, health sciences, and skilled trades. These spaces give students hands-on experiences tied to real world career pathways. 

Arts, Music, and Performance Spaces 

Dedicated rooms with appropriate lighting, acoustics, and equipment to foster creativity and artistic expression. 

Athletics and Wellness Facilities 

Indoor and outdoor spaces that support physical education, fitness, and team sports, while also providing students with areas for movement, wellness, and mental health. 

Community and Family Spaces 

From welcoming entryways to multi-use libraries and family resource centers, these spaces are designed to bring students, staff, and families together. Peace rooms or calm spaces may be included to support student self, regulation and emotional wellbeing. 

This Is the First Step, Community Input Comes Next  

Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) are developed at the district level to ensure consistency and alignment across all current and future capital projects. The process is guided by professional school designers and shaped by input from staff who will use the spaces. However, community input will be essential once a school project is selected and funded. 

Once projects are funded, school-based Design Advisory Teams (DATs), including families, staff, and students, will shape the specific details of the building’s design. These groups will help validate decisions and ensure each school reflects the needs of its community. 

This update is not the end, it’s the start of a process built on collaboration, transparency, and accountability. 

A Districtwide Collaboration  

This planning work is being led by district leadership in partnership with educational designers from Mahlum, a firm with expertise in school facility planning. Insights are being gathered from teachers, counselors, staff, and technical experts to ensure the plan is grounded in both PSD’s academic goals and real, world school experiences. 

Together, these groups are building a comprehensive framework that will guide major capital work in the years ahead. 

Tell Us What Matters Most 

While this is early, stage planning, your voice matters. Families, students, and community members are invited to share their thoughts about how physical spaces support student learning and community connection. 

Your input will help the district shape the final Educational Specifications and better understand what kinds of spaces feel welcoming, effective, and inclusive. 

Take our short survey at https://forms.office.com/r/gw1D45LfvD and help us plan for the future of PSD.