The Cost of Growth

Puyallup is among the fastest growing districts in our state. We currently are the 9th largest district in Washington.

To help meet growing needs we're spending $200 million, building 3 new schools and replacing 2 others over the next 2 years while adding $14 million worth of technology upgrades to our 31 existing school sites. Even with that, we won't be able to keep up with our growth. In fact, the two elementary schools designed to house 750 students each will probably need portables on the first day they open.

Here are some national school construction facts from DistrictAdministration.Com:

Total school construction costs forecasted for 2006:
$32.1 Billion

Total school construction costs forecasted for 2007:
$35.3 Billion

Source: McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge

Estimated school projects out to bid next 12 months:
2,500

Source: Paul Abramson, Stanton Leggett and Associates

Cost to Construct a building in the United States:
55 % Materials
45% Labor
(Before 2004, the costs were split 50-50)

Source: RS Means

It's unfortunate for schools and tax payers that the cost to appropriately house students is so expensive and rising! However, it must be done!

How is your district handling growth issues and how do you balance the need to refresh and aquire current technology.