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Education
School-Building Skyrockets As Puyallup’s Reputation Draws Students by the Hundreds
Carson Elementary School is a brand-new facility that opened in September 2007. Carson and another new school, Edgerton Elementary, are located in the South Hill area – the fastest-growing portion of the Puyallup School District.
The Puyallup School District is bursting at the seams‚ and five new buildings are at or near completion to accommodate the growth.
Karen Hansen‚ executive director of communications for the district‚ says the area is growing by 250 students a year – about half the population of an average elementary school.
Carson and Edgerton‚ two brand-new elementary schools‚ just opened in September 2007. Both are located in the South Hill area‚ the fastest-growing portion of the district. Originally designed to hold 500 and 550 students‚ both schools were expanded during the building process to make room for 750 each. Even so‚ Carson opened over capacity and Edgerton will max out within two years.
“People want to come to Puyallup because of our reputation‚” Hansen says. “The school system is excellent. Our test scores are good. Our fine arts program is outstanding‚ as is our technical education program. We also have a large special education program that people move here for‚ and teachers want to come here.”
Area Realtor Jack Wilcox confirms Hansen’s claim‚ noting that families relocating here most often name the Puyallup School District their No. 1 choice.
Community support plays a big role in making Puyallup the district of choice. In 2004‚ voters passed a $198.5 million bond issue to build the new schools and improve existing ones.
In addition to the new elementary schools‚ two junior high schools were replaced. Kalles Junior High opened in September 2007‚ and Aylen Junior High will open September 2008. A new junior high school‚ Glacier View‚ is scheduled to open in September 2008. In addition‚ the bond issue paid for technology upgrades throughout the district.
“The good thing is that‚ as we’ve been able to remodel and build new schools‚ we’ve been able to install technology infrastructure‚ which is needed‚” Hansen says.
The new elementary school classrooms are outfitted with state-of-the-art SMART Board interactive technology. Additionally‚ every two classrooms share a project room with computers and workstations. The older schools have access to high-tech teaching aids such as portable carts carrying laptop computers and projectors.
Hansen credits continued support from area residents as the key component in maintaining the district’s reputation for high quality programs and facilities.
“We have a tremendously supportive community‚” Hansen says‚ noting that the Puyallup School District celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2005.
“People came from all over the country for the celebration‚” Hansen says. “It just shows you what a lasting impact going to school in Puyallup has had in people’s lives.”
Story by Carol Cowan
Photo by Michael W. Bunch
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