Rogers High School Expansion Included in April 22 Special Election Ballot

Puyallup voters will have the opportunity to decide on Proposition 1 in the upcoming special election on April 22, 2025. This measure is part of a broader bond proposal aimed at addressing the facility needs across the Puyallup School District. Among the key components of Proposition 1 is the expansion of Rogers High School, which will receive significant upgrades to accommodate the growing student population.

Rogers High School Improvements

Proposition 1 would fund the construction of a two-story addition to Rogers High School, expanding the school’s capacity to accommodate 1,800 students. The expansion is designed to address the current overcrowding at the school and reduce the reliance on portable classrooms.

The proposal comes as part of an ongoing effort to modernize the school, which has not undergone a complete modernization since its opening in 1968. The existing campus, while serving as a cornerstone of the Puyallup community, has faced challenges due to aging infrastructure and increasing enrollment. The addition of classrooms in the new two-story building will help meet the demands of current and future student enrollment, ensuring a more functional and supportive learning environment.

"Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. The proposed bond improvements at Rogers High School will create a safer, more connected campus by replacing aging portables with permanent classrooms and linking our outbuildings into a unified school environment,” said Principal Jason Smith. “This expansion is not just about adding space—it’s about fostering a more secure and inclusive learning experience where students and staff can thrive."

The expansion is expected to not only alleviate overcrowding but also extend the life of the building and reduce maintenance costs in the long term. The improved facilities would enhance the health and safety of students and staff, addressing some of the longstanding concerns related to the condition of the school's infrastructure.

Building Condition and Capacity

According to a 2021 study conducted for the Puyallup School District, Rogers High School faces a number of challenges due to its aging infrastructure. The study, which assessed the condition of buildings across the district, provided a score for each structure. The main building of Rogers received a score of 63.5 out of 100, indicating that it is in fair condition but in need of significant updates.

The school is currently operating with a capacity of 1,320 students, excluding portable classrooms. For the 2025-2026 school year, enrollment is expected to exceed this capacity, with projections estimating 1745 students. This growth highlights the need for additional space to accommodate the increasing number of students.

"Rogers High School has served our community for over 50 years, but its aging infrastructure no longer meets the needs of today’s students,” said Brady Martin, Director of Capital Projects. “This bond provides an opportunity to modernize the campus, address capacity challenges, and ensure the school remains a safe and effective learning environment for future generations."

Rogers High School, located on South Hill, was originally opened in 1968. It was named after Governor John R. Rogers, a former schoolteacher, businessman, and author who served as Washington's governor from 1897 to 1901. Over the years, the school has undergone several additions, including a new Auto Shop Building in 1971 and various classroom additions in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the majority of the school’s infrastructure has not been significantly updated since its initial construction.

The school currently houses 53 classrooms, along with a gymnasium, swimming pool, special education classrooms, and several specialty instructional spaces. Despite these facilities, the school faces challenges in keeping up with the growing student body.

Rogers High School Building Timeline

• 1968: Original Rogers High School opens on South Hill
• 1971: A separate Auto Shop Building was constructed.
• 1977: Shop addition built.
• 1983: Two-classroom addition to Administration Building; three-classroom science addition; Performing Arts Center added.
• 1987: Rogers Swimming Pool facility built.
• 1997: Bond-funded remodel of most buildings (except Performing Arts Center and Pool), adding a student commons area.
• 2005: Major mechanical system improvements and roof replacement for Rogers Pool.
• 2025: Proposed expansion (Proposition 1).

Community Involvement

For over four years, a number of community members, including parents, residents, and professionals in building design and construction, have participated in various advisory committees to evaluate the district's needs. These groups have provided input and guidance that helped shape Proposition 1, which reflects the community’s desire to expand school capacity, modernize facilities, and improve safety.

The district has also identified the need for additional funding to address overcrowding and aging buildings in the face of rapid enrollment growth. The expansion of Rogers High School is just one example of how the district plans to meet these challenges.

Be an Informed Voter

This is our second attempt at presenting Proposition 1 to voters. While the measure received more than the required 60% approval margin by voters in the February 11th special election, it did not meet the required 40% voter turnout for validation.

Voting on April 22 is critical, and every vote matters, regardless of how voters cast their ballots.

For more information on Proposition 1, visit the Puyallup School District website or attend an upcoming informational session. Http://www.puyallupsd.org/bond

Rogers High School’s expansion is a critical part of the Puyallup School District’s ongoing efforts to address the growing demand for educational space and improve the learning environment for students. As voters head to the polls on April 22, they will have the opportunity to support this important project, which will have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.