Temporary Relief Arrives at Rogers High School as Overcrowding Persists

Thanks to the community's support for the 2024 Capital Levy, three new portable classroom buildings will be delivered to Rogers High School, offering temporary relief from the school’s ongoing overcrowding challenges. These classrooms will be operational for the start of the 2025–26 school year. 

The decision to install additional portable classrooms was based on recommendations from the community-led 2024 School Capacity and Utilization Task Force (SCUT) and formally approved by the Puyallup School Board in June 2024. The recommendation was reaffirmed in March 2025, in response to updated enrollment forecasts and clear evidence of community growth in the Rogers service area. 

Rogers High School has been a cornerstone of the Puyallup School District since 1968, proudly serving generations of students. But the reality today is stark: the campus has never received full modernization, and many of its buildings—rated "fair" to "poor" in the district’s 2021 Study and Survey—struggle to meet the needs of today’s learners. The school currently exceeds its permanent capacity by more than 380 students, with that number projected to reach over 500 by fall 2025. 

The three new portable classrooms will be installed on the southeast side of campus near the old tennis courts. The project includes permitting, design, and installation.. This will bring the school’s total number of portable classrooms to 18, with 1 existing portable restroom. 

Let’s be clear: portables are not a long-term solution. They are a temporary, stopgap measure to manage today’s urgent space needs—not a substitute for modern, permanent learning environments our students deserve. These short-term fixes underscore the need for a long-term plan. 

In both February and April of 2025, a bond measure that would have funded a long-awaited modernization of Rogers High School earned majority voter approval—but ultimately failed validation. That bond would have funded a two-story building addition, increased the school’s permanent capacity to 1,800 students, and significantly reduced reliance on portable classrooms. 

We remain committed to working with students, families, and the broader community to shape a sustainable, future-ready plan for Rogers High School. The SCUT’s recommendation to implement low-cost, temporary solutions reflects both strategic thinking and fiscal responsibility while the district continues its push for long-term progress. 

As always, your voice matters. Families, staff, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and involved. Attend School Board meetings, ask questions, and continue helping us shape the future of Puyallup schools. 

For more information, including presentation slides and SCUT meeting materials, visit the School Capacity and Utilization Task Force webpage at www.puyallupsd.org/SCUT.