Welcome to the Second Edition of Foundations for Our Future News, where we share updates on how Puyallup School District is building, improving, and planning great spaces for students to learn and grow. 

We believe strong schools are built on strong foundations. Thank you for taking the time to stay engaged. 

For more information and project updates, visit www.puyallupsd.org/capital or follow us on Facebook or Instagram at @PSDFoundationsForOurFuture. 

Task Force Launches New Year of Study on School Capacity 

The School Capacity and Utilization Task Force (SCUT) met on September 30 to begin a new year of study focused on enrollment growth, space needs, and short-range planning for Puyallup schools. Members include district staff, principals, and parents from across the community, along with representatives from Spinning and Waller Road Elementary, which are the focus of this year’s feasibility study. 

Following the failure of recent bond measures that would have replaced both schools, SCUT will examine what future facility planning might look like without new construction funding. The group’s work includes reviewing enrollment data, facility conditions, and potential impacts if boundary or housing adjustments were ever considered. A report to the School Board is scheduled for December 12. 

Meeting recap stories, meeting materials and notes are available on our webpage at www.puyallupsd.org/SCUT or follow us on Facebook or Instagram at @PSDFoundationsForOurFuture.

https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/capital-projects/contact-us/story-detail/~board/news/post/school-capacity-and-utilization-task-force-kicks-off-new-year-of-study

 

Fruitland Elementary Traffic Improvements Move Forward 

Construction is well underway on the Fruitland Elementary Traffic Improvement Project, designed to make travel to and from school safer and more efficient for students, families, and staff. Funded by the 2024 Capital Levy, the project will expand on-site parking, separate bus and parent traffic, and add longer pickup and drop-off lanes to help move cars out of the public right-of-way. Offsite upgrades include an extended center turn lane, new sidewalks to the north and south, and improved street lighting to create safer walking routes for students. 

As of early October, the north parking lot (bus lot) and plaza are nearly complete. The stormwater system is also mostly finished, including a specially designed area that naturally filters runoff, helping keep water clean before it leaves the site. Contractors are currently working from north to south on the south parking lot, with curbs being poured this week and site lighting installation ongoing. The project remains on schedule and on budget, with crews working toward a substantial completion date in late November.  

Thank you, voters. These improvements will create a safer and more accessible campus for the growing Fruitland Elementary community and improve driving safety for neighbors along Fruitland Avenue. 

October is Energy Awareness Month 

Did you know that devices that are turned off but still plugged in still consume energy? These devices are called Energy Vampires!  

How many do you have lurking in your home or classroom? (HINT: Devices that are rarely used but always plugged in (personal microwaves, coffeemakers, etc.) 

For Energy Awareness Month in October, look around your home or school and see if you can find these vampires, all while practicing the tips below. 

• Keep vents clear of furniture, books, and papers. 

• Dress in layers appropriate for the weather.  

• Do not adjust thermostats. 

• Shut blinds or shades at the end of the day.  

• Turn off computer monitors while not in use.  

• Turn off lights when exiting a room.  

• Go paperless, when possible, store data electronically.  

Learn how PowerED has delivered real savings and what it means for classroom budgets. Puyallup School District is working to address complex school infrastructure upgrades, sustainability, energy management goals, and compliance with the Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).   

Register to Vote in Pierce County 

The General Election is coming up on November 4, 2025. If you’re not yet registered to vote, now’s the time to get it done. There are three ways to register: online, by mail, or in person. 

Deadlines to know: 

• Online or by mail: Register by October 27, 2025 

• In person: Register by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 4, 2025 

For Future Voters: 
If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you can pre-register to vote today. Your registration will be held until you’re eligible, so you’ll be ready to cast your ballot when the time comes. 

Every vote counts.

http://www.votewa.gov/