6 articles about the Rainier School’s history and the debate about closing the facility
Proponents of closing the Rainier School in Buckley, a residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities, argue for transitioning residents to community-based care. They cite better standards of living, though critics fear disruptions to residents’ routines and limited resources elsewhere. The school’s tumultuous history underscores broader questions about balancing institutional care with community integration.
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
NO. 1: EMPLOYEES, FAMILIES PREDICT TURMOIL IF PIERCE COUNTY CENTER FOR DISABLED ADULTS CLOSES
The state Legislature has proposed closing the center as a cost-cutting measure. “They’re taking their home away,” an employee said. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isabela Lund
NO. 2: WA PAYS $52M TO RUN PIERCE COUNTY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. WILL IT CLOSE?
The move would affect the 460 employees at the school and the 81 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live there. | Published March 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isabela Lund
NO. 3: THEY ASKED COURT TO CURTAIL ADMISSIONS AT ‘DANGEROUS’ RAINIER SCHOOL. HERE’S THE OUTCOME
The school for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Buckley has a troubled past. | Published March 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shea Johnson
NO. 4: ‘DANGEROUS PLACE TO LIVE’: WHY STATE-RUN HOME FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS IS UNDER FIRE AGAIN
A federal lawsuit seeks to prevent new admissions to a Pierce County facility for people with developmental disabilities. | Published September 12, 2022 | Read Full Story by Shea Johnson
NO. 5: FAMILY OF MAN MISSING FROM RAINIER SCHOOL IN BUCKLEY SETTLES LAWSUIT AGAINST STATE
“It haunts the Wellmans to this day that they have not been able to locate his body.” | Published October 6, 2021 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell
NO. 6: FEDS DECERTIFY ONE OF THREE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED ADULTS AT RAINIER SCHOOL
The federal government has decertified a state-run facility for disabled adults and now Washington is at risk of losing $1 million per month in funding. | Published March 9, 2019 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor
This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.