Spinning Elementary stands at a pivotal moment in the heart of downtown Puyallup. Confronted with the district's lowest Building Conditions Assessment score (40.5) in the district, the school’s infrastructure urgently requires substantial improvements. Spinning Elementary last underwent a major renovation in 1985, approximately 40 years ago. Currently, the school faces significant challenges in meeting modern educational standards, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive update to bring the school in line with present-day educational facility standards.  

Outdated Infrastructure Challenges

Spinning Elementary has an array of challenges due to outdated infrastructure. The existing library, cafeteria, and gymnasium fall short of providing an adequate environment for hands-on, collaborative learning. The building fails to meet standards for providing special education services, adequate office spaces, and project areas. Moreover, critical systems like HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) have surpassed their useful life, leaving classrooms in an unproductive state.

Acknowledging the Need for Change

As educational needs evolve, so must the environments in which learning takes place. Today, classrooms require a dynamic and experiential atmosphere to support evolving teaching methods. The outdated buildings at Spinning Elementary are ill-equipped to facilitate the rigorous academic experiences necessary for students to succeed in an ever-changing global economy.

Building materials and labor costs have steadily increased over the past few years. While Puyallup School District is seeing some relief in the rate of cost escalations, the district continues to budget for an estimated 5-7% cost increase over the next four years. As availability has improved as the COVID-19 pandemic has eased, long lead times for materials continue to strain district improvements to educational infrastructure. From repairing aging portables to maintaining heating and cooling systems, our schools require adequate funding to maintain conducive learning environments. Escalating costs pose challenges in completing essential projects on time and within budget.

"Spinning Elementary has served our community for decades, but its outdated infrastructure no longer meets the needs of today's educational environment.” said Brady Martin, Director of Capital Projects, “A new building will provide students and staff with modern, safe, and functional spaces that foster effective learning. Without these critical upgrades, we risk hindering our students' potential and the quality of education they receive.

Community Involvement

For more than four years,  community members, including parents, residents, and building design and construction professionals, 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. Replacing Spinning Elementary is just one example of how the district plans to meet these challenges.

Potential School Closures if Bond Measure Fails

A key recommendation of the School Capacity and Utilization Task Force (SCUT) focuses on contingency plans in the event that the April 2025 bond measure fails. SCUT will assess the potential impacts on surrounding schools If Spinning and Waller Road Elementary Schools were to close, and present a comprehensive report to the Puyallup School Board by January 2026. This could significantly affect the capacity and enrollment at neighboring elementary schools and challenge our ability to effectively meet the needs of the growing community.

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.

Building History

Spinning Elementary School

Spinning Elementary School, located in east Puyallup and east of Meridian Avenue and south of East Pioneer Avenue, began as a four (4) room schoolhouse in 1891. The school was named after Frank R. Spinning, born in Olympia, WA on August 6, 1860.  Mr. Spinning received his early education in an Indian school on the Puyallup reservation, later attending the public schools of Puyallup and Sumner, and completing his studies in the schools of Portland, Oregon.

In 1882, Mr. Spinning engaged in farming at a location in the Stuck Valley, three (3) miles north of Sumner. For many years, Mr. Spinning took an active part in public affairs and served in several important official positions. For example, from 1883 to 1887, he was a member of the Board of County Commissioners and served on the Sumner School Board for 18 years.

A two (2) room addition was made to Spinning Elementary School in 1923, and a four (4) room addition was added in 1926. The V-shaped building was remodeled in 1935 and the play court, which was originally located outside, was made into an enclosed play court with a stage.

The east and west classroom wings were added to the V-shaped building in 1961. In 1977, the special education wing was added. In 1985, the entire building was modernized, with the exception of the special education wing. This remodel was a state-match project with local funds coming from the voter-approved 1984 Bond measure.

The education specifications for the permanent building were designed to have 12 general-use classrooms, one (1) kindergarten room, three (3) special education classrooms and several smaller specialty instructional spaces. In addition, the school has one (1) of the district's prototype play sheds. In 2012, the building received a Building Assessment Score of 59, compared to a districtwide rating average of 76.4. It is currently eligible for state matching funds for modernization or new construction.

Spinning Elementary Building Timeline

• 1891: Opened as a four-room schoolhouse.
• 1923: Added two classrooms.
• 1926: Added four more classrooms.
• 1935: Remodeled; enclosed outdoor play court with a stage.
• 1961: Added east and west classroom wings.
• 1977: Added special education wing.
• 1985: Modernized (except special education wing); funded by the 1984 Bond.
• 2025: Proposed replacement and expansion (Proposition 1).