What Happens If the Bond Passes?

If Proposition 1 is approved by voters on April 22 and the vote is validated, the process of planning, designing, and constructing new school buildings will begin—but it won’t happen overnight. While you won’t see construction crews breaking ground immediately, important steps will take place behind the scenes to ensure the efficient and thoughtful implementation of bond projects.

Key Steps in the Process

May – June 2025: Call for volunteers and formation of the Bond Advisory Committee and Design Advisory Teams.
June 16, 2025: Architect selection recommendation and first bond sale recommendation to the School Board.
Summer 2025: Initial design and planning work begins for new school construction.
Fall 2025: Design Advisory Teams meet to refine project plans and educational specifications.

What to Expect in the First Few Months

By June, the district will gain access to 2024 voter-approved Capital Levy funds rolled into the bond, allowing us to begin all planned levy projects. At the same time, we will initiate the process for recruiting and forming the Bond Advisory Committee and Design Advisory Teams (DATs) for new school construction projects. These teams will play a critical role in shaping the design and development of new and modernized schools.

When Will We See a New Building?

The timeline for new school construction depends on the complexity of the project. Typically, large school construction projects take three to four years from the initial design phase to completion. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

2025-26 School Year: Finalize architectural designs, obtain permits, and prepare for construction.
2026-27 School Year: Groundbreaking and early construction work begin on major projects.
2027-28 School Year: Continued construction progress.
2028-29 School Year: New school buildings open for students.

While this process takes time, the district is committed to keeping the public informed every step of the way. Regular updates will be shared through community meetings, district newsletters, and our Foundations for our Future website.

Your Voice Matters!

If the bond passes, we invite you to be involved in shaping the future of our schools. Consider joining the Bond Oversight Committee or a Design Advisory Team, or attending public meetings where these plans will be discussed.

What Does a Bond Oversight Committee Do?

The Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) provides essential citizen oversight to ensure responsible spending, financial transparency, and accountability in the implementation of bond projects. This committee plays a key role in maintaining public trust and maximizing the impact of taxpayer dollars.

Project Oversight: Ensures bond projects stay within scope, on schedule, and within budget while advising on funding allocations.
Public Accountability: Ensures board decisions are made transparently with input from parents, community members, and stakeholders.
Financial Stewardship: Maintains strict oversight of taxpayer dollars, ensuring responsible financial management and public engagement in decision-making.
Risk Management: Provides conservative financial planning and oversight to minimize risks and maximize the long-term impact of bond-funded projects

What Does a Design Advisory Team Do?

A Design Advisory Team (DAT) is composed of educators, parents, students, and community members who work alongside architects and district leaders to ensure new school buildings meet the needs of students and staff. The team will:

Provide input on school design to support modern learning environments.
Discuss classroom layouts, common spaces, and safety considerations.
Review and refine project plans before final designs are approved.
Offer feedback on how facilities can best serve students and the community.

Dedicated citizen volunteers play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for Puyallup students! We'll post information on how to apply for these positions in May if Prop. 1 passes and meets validation requirements on April 22.

What Does Proposition 1 Fund?

Proposition 1 is designed to modernize and expand schools to accommodate Puyallup’s growing student population. The bond measure would fund:

Expanding Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, and Rogers High Schools to alleviate overcrowding.
Replacing Mt. View, Spinning, and Waller Road Elementary Schools, which are aging and in need of major improvements.
Building a new elementary school in the Sunrise Master Plan area to support projected population growth.

If Proposition 1 passes, the district would also qualify for up to $152.9M in state matching funds, reducing the long-term financial burden on local taxpayers.