$198.55 million updated this Pierce County district’s elementary and middle schools
Construction is complete at Kopachuck Middle School and Key Peninsula Middle School just in time for them to make their debut for the new school year.
Peninsula School District passed a $198.55 million bond in 2019 for school construction to help address overcrowding at elementary schools and other infrastructure needs.
“Back in 2019 we had an influx of elementary students coming into our middle schools, and overcrowding was going to be an issue,” PSD spokesperson Danielle Chastaine told the Gateway.
The project included upgrades to two middle schools and two elementary schools in the Gig Harbor area. The bond also paid for two new elementary schools.
Construction began in January 2020. All four elementary school projects were completed in 2022.
Artondale Elementary and Evergreen Elementary were upgraded. Swift Water Elementary and Pioneer Elementary were new builds.
Kopachuck Middle School and Key Peninsula Middle School were the last two to finish upgrades this summer.
The first day of school for PSD is Sept. 5.
The district’s plan was to give the schools a more modern look and add more classrooms.
The classrooms were to help with capacity, Chastaine said.
“Although enrollment has decreased, the choice to add more classrooms means we are able to lessen the number of portables at our middle schools,” she said. “And as of this year our enrollment is increasing again.”
Supply chain issues minorly affected the PSD projects, which the district completed on its estimated timeline.
“Not only did PSD do what we promised, we did more,” Chastaine said. “We did more in the elementary schools than we originally promised. PSD promised voters four new and renovated schools in six years, and were able to give voters six new and renovated schools in four years.”
PSD used all the funding available from the 2019 Capital Projects Bond, she said.
What’s new at the middle schools?
Additional classrooms and bathrooms were added to each school.
“During renovations, students attended classes in the buildings,” Chastaine said. “Staff and students were incredibly flexible and understanding while going through their day-to-day education while construction was being performed.”
Both schools also received upgrades to their fire systems, water systems, electrical systems, lighting and kitchens. They also got upgrades to their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Kopachuck and KPMS also received new flooring, paint, cabinets and classroom furniture.
New safety and security features were also added to both schools.
At Kopachuck, storage was added to the back of the school for the woodshop class.
At KPMS, the gym was renovated to be the size of two full-size gyms.
What’s next for the district?
Asked if there are plans to renovate the high schools next, the district said: “While no major renovations or construction projects are on the books currently, PSD leadership wants to engage the community in conversations about what is next for the district.”
School board directors established a Finance and Audit Committee at the Aug. 24 meeting.
“The committee will consist of community members and will focus on the district’s fiscal responsibilities,” Chastaine said.
In February, voters approved the Safety, Security, and Technology Levy.
“Once those funds are available, smaller capital improvements and maintenance will be completed at our buildings to improve and increase security measures,” Chastaine said. “Our three high schools are routinely maintained and updated.”
