At their June 21 meeting, the Puyallup School District Board of Directors unanimously approved placement of a $125 million capital levy on the November 8, 2022 general election ballot for PSD voters to consider.
The levy would provide needed infrastructure improvements that address safety, security, and technology access throughout PSD schools and facilities. The levy of taxes over a six-year period would include:
- • Upgraded security intrusion systems, cameras, alarms, and fire protection;
- • Expanded student and staff access to technology through infrastructure and equipment enhancements, internet access, device life cycle replacements, and network cabling upgrades;
- • Improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment, lighting, roofing, and flooring;
- • Improved parking and traffic flow at schools to ensure safe and efficient access; and
- • Enhanced outdoor learning spaces through playground, all-weather athletic tracks at junior high schools and field improvements.
A previous capital levy request was narrowly rejected by a majority of voters in the Feb. 8, 2022 special election. Since then, community feedback was gathered, and adjustments were made to the capital levy request voters will consider on November 8. The main difference between the previous and new capital levy request is that Proposition 1 will not include funds for constructing a central transportation facility or rebuilding the current maintenance facility. The funds that would have been used for those facilities have been reallocated in the new capital levy request to fund additional safety, security, and technology improvements districtwide.
A detailed informational pamphlet will be mailed to PSD residents in October. Register to vote at the Pierce County Elections website. Tax exemption information for senior citizens and people with disabilities can be found on the Pierce County Assessor’s website.
