School District Shutters McAlder Elementary, Contemplates Future Use

School is out forever at McAlder Elementary, after the Sumner School District recently decided to permanently shut down the school for student use.

“With no identified use for students, it’s critical we formally close McAlder Elementary,” said Sumner School District communications director Ann Cook.

The Sumner School Board voted unanimously to shutter the 32-classroom school during their July 18 board meeting and keep it in a “mothball” state until another use has been identified or the building can be leased out.

One idea is to repurpose the building, located at 15502 96th St. E. in Puyallup, for community use.

“We could use it as an early learning, or training facility one day,” said Cook.

Cook also hinted at the possibility of leasing the building to a private school.

Once the move into the newly renovated Maple Lawn Elementary is complete, crews will lock up and secure McAlder.

Mothballing the facility will cost the district $45,900 a year, paid from the Sumner School District general fund. These funds pay for supplies and labor to secure the facility, plus utilities and water at a minimum level to prevent damage and for insurance purposes.

The estimated cost of mothballing McAlder doesn’t include unforeseen repairs the facility might need. In order for the building to be used again, the 21-year-old roof must be replaced, which will cost approximately $350,000.

If the district decides to demolish McAlder, the cost could be upward of $400,000.

While closing the facility is ultimately cost-effective for the district, it will increase the district utility expenditures, as this is the first time there will be nine elementary schools online.

The district Facilities Planning Committee is studying different options and will present a repurposing plan for the facility to the School Board in the fall.