Washington State Supreme Court clarifies that funding for school construction.

Our schools urgently need funds for critical building and system maintenance issues to support our expanding student population. And today’s Washington State Supreme Court ruling will impact the Puyallup community and our schools.

Earlier today, the Washington State Supreme Court clarified that funding for school construction is not part of “basic education” or solely the state's duty; it is a joint effort between local communities and the State Legislature.

Puyallup and districts statewide face challenges passing bonds and levies, which impact local property taxes. Puyallup has yet to pass a capital bond or levy since 2015. Currently, PSD (Puyallup School District) supports 60 buildings with a replacement value estimated at $1,741,000,000, and our lifecycle renewals for construction and system maintenance have averaged around $150,000,000 every six years. PSD’s capital budget, responsible for major maintenance, renovation, and construction projects, is set to run out by 2026 unless we secure additional bond or levy funding.

Learn more about today’s ruling >

Seattle Times: https://lnkd.in/gfcVDnug

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: https://lnkd.in/gFkZNYsZ

PSD’s Capital Budget: https://lnkd.in/giQM9BgQ

The rising costs of school construction: https://lnkd.in/gV28kDSP