Families and students at Puyallup High School (PHS) are seeing more results from the 2024 Capital Levy improvements, with changes aimed at improving safety and addressing overcrowding.
Pilot Program for Road Closure Begins
On December 23, crews installed temporary gates on 7th Street NW between 2nd Avenue NW and West Main Street, marking the start of a one-year pilot program in collaboration with the City of Puyallup. This closure improves safety for students crossing the street during busy passing periods when traveling from the main building to the portable classrooms.
Emergency gates are now installed to allow immediate access to the campus for fire and emergency services. New traffic patterns are now in place for families and buses:
Families: Use alternative routes for drop-off and pick-up, such as 7th Street SW, 3rd Avenue NW, and West Main Street east of 8th Street.
Buses: Student transportation is relocated behind the Aquatics Center on 6th Street NW.
The district hosted two open house events earlier this fall to share details about the project and gather community feedback. As a result of those events, the district adjusted the closure’s timing and scope based on the input received.
Portable Classrooms Ready for Students
Three double-portable units are now ready to provide much-needed classroom space. The portable classrooms were ready for occupancy on 1/6/2025.
Portable classrooms were added in response to the closure of the Library-Science Building (LSB), deemed too costly to repair after over 60 years of service. This temporary solution alleviates overcrowding while district leaders work toward long-term solutions to address aging facilities and accommodate a growing student body.
The LSB’s closure highlights ongoing challenges at PHS, which include the struggle with outdated infrastructure and limited space. Initially built in 1927 and last modernized in 1995, the campus lacks sufficient science labs, parking, and athletic facilities to meet modern educational standards and provide support to the students, staff, and families of Puyallup High School.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Improvements
The Puyallup School Board approved a bond resolution measure to place on the February 11, 2025, ballot. The measure, which includes funding to replace the closed Library-Science Building, will facilitate the construction of a modern, three-story classroom structure. Other planned improvements include expanding the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building and reducing reliance on portable classrooms. These projects aim to enhance campus safety, provide updated learning environments, and address the school’s capacity issues.
For facts and information on long-term improvements to Puyallup High School, visit puyallupsd.org/bond.