The School Capacity and Utilization Task Force held its final feasibility study meeting on December 2 at the Karshner Museum. Members reviewed three preliminary student reassignment plans for Spinning Elementary, building enrollment data, program needs, and space considerations discussed at the previous meeting. 

The feasibility study is not intended to recommend school closures. Instead, the task force has been asked to examine potential enrollment and program impacts if alternative housing plans were ever needed for Waller Road or Spinning Elementary, individually or together. The group does not make final decisions, host public hearings, collect public testimony, or issue notices regarding potential closures. Its work provides a factual starting point if future decisions about school facilities are required. 

During the meeting, members revisited earlier discussions about Waller Road Elementary to confirm the approach still aligned with the data. The task force agreed to continue using the current tract configuration for planning purposes. 

Spinning Elementary Refinements 

Most of the December 2 meeting  focused on refining six proposed alternative housing plans for Spinning Elementary. Members reviewed updated information about QUEST and other district programs that influence capacity, including Developmental Kindergarten, WRAP, Support Center, and Dual Language. Brian Devereux, Director of Facilities Planning, noted that QUEST students would be reassigned separately from general boundary movements. 

Classroom availability at Kalles Junior High was also reviewed. Staff noted that Kalles is expected to experience enrollment growth in the coming years. While Kalles cannot absorb all sixth graders from every feeder school, it may be able to take some students depending on the plan. 

Six plans were presented in total. Three were carried over from the previous meeting, and three were developed by the steering committee using task force feedback and updated data. These six options were explored to balance student load, available classrooms, and program relocation needs.  

Members acknowledged that no school closure scenario is ideal. Waller Road and Spinning Elementary have long served as anchors in their neighborhoods, and any future change would bring challenges and community impacts. Members also discussed transportation needs, available space for bus loading and drop-off, and the importance of maintaining at least one available classroom at each school to support neighborhood enrollment growth.  

Committee members were divided into four tables and asked to further review the six plans presented. The table groups were then asked to share their two preferred plans. Members cited benefits such as keeping families together, maintaining school culture, and ensuring reasonable enrollment levels from the two plans most selected. A third plan was also flagged for its lower cost and minimal need for additional portables. 

“Our goal is not to endorse a single path but to provide the board with a clear analysis and starting point,” said Brady Martin, Executive Director of Construction, Facilities Planning and Maintenance. “We want families to understand that this study is exploratory and based on the best available numbers at this time.” 

Members also raised questions about long-term special education capacity, including the ability to add self-contained classrooms, and concerns about equity if only two junior highs were assigned sixth graders under certain plans. 

The meeting concluded with members summarizing the strengths and limitations of each plan. Members were reminded to engage with their communities and stay connected as the work continues. 

Appreciation for Community Participation 

The district extends sincere appreciation to the parent and staff representatives from the Spinning and Waller Road communities who devoted their time to this feasibility work. Their willingness to participate in a complex and sometimes difficult process has helped ensure the task force explored numerous feasibility options with care, accuracy, and respect for their respective communities. 

What’s next? 

The School Board will review the full feasibility study during a study session on December 12, concluding this phase of work. School Board Policy 6883 outlines the steps required if the board ever chooses to consider school closures in the future. Any decision to do so would trigger a public hearing and invite community feedback. 

The School Capacity and Utilization Task Force will return to its regular school capacity and enrollment work in late January and continue exploring options to best utilize our existing school facilities where school capacity is challenged.  

Community members can follow the process and review meeting materials at puyallupsd.org/SCUT. The district remains committed to providing safe, supportive, high quality learning environments while planning responsibly for facility and capacity needs.