Puyallup School Board Approves Bond Resolution for February 2025 Ballot

Puyallup, WA – December 10, 2024 – On Monday, December 9, the Puyallup School Board unanimously approved the Bond Advisory Committee’s (BAC) recommendation authorizing a bond election on the Special Election ballot to be held February 11, 2025.

This recommendation, crafted over several months, includes funding for critical projects to alleviate overcrowding, replace aging schools, and address safety, in order to support the district's growth. 

The BAC convened five times to evaluate various project scenarios established by the 2021 Citizens Facility Advisory Committee and the School Capacity and Utilization Task Force. The committee carefully analyzed the potential impact of each scenario on student capacity and the financial burden on taxpayers. 

The proposed $800M bond would maintain the current tax rate of $4.14 per $1,000 of assessed property value through a capital levy rollback, meaning homeowners would not face an increase in their property tax rate.

This solution allows the district to address immediate infrastructure needs without an additional tax burden. Proposition 1, set to span 21 years (2025–2046), prioritizes expanding high school capacity, replacing aging elementary schools, and addressing current enrollment and projected growth needs.  

Proposition 1 includes the following seven major projects: 

• Additions to Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, and Rogers High Schools to address overcrowding. 

• Replacements for Mt. View, Spinning, and Waller Road Elementary Schools to address critically aging facilities.  

• Construction of a new elementary school in the Sunrise area to support the district’s projected growth.  

The plan also accounts for a $130 million levy rollback, a 10% contingency for the bond, with the potential for a $152.9 million state match, which would be collected as projects near 90 percent completion. 

“We’re focused on maintaining a steady tax rate while meeting the district's urgent needs,” said Dr. Polm, Superintendent of Puyallup School District. “Our community deserves safe, functional school buildings that support student achievement, and our staff and students deserve an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in education.” 

As Puyallup School District’s population continues to grow, addressing school capacity and facility conditions remains a top priority. The BAC’s work represents an essential step toward ensuring Puyallup students have access to modern and effective learning environments. If approved, this bond would serve as a vital investment in the district’s future, providing a foundation to meet the needs of a growing community. Complementing the recently passed capital levy, which focuses on maintaining our existing buildings, Proposition 1 allows us to build new facilities and expand our capacity to better serve students and staff in the years to come.  

It is important to note that the recent general election saw significantly higher voter turnout, which could make it more challenging to secure the necessary 60% plus one vote approval to pass the bond measure.  

Voters are encouraged to learn more about Proposition 1 and its potential impact on the community as the election date approaches. 

For more information, visit puyallupsd.org/Bond.