Frequently Asked Questions

The Whittier replacement project FAQ webpage provides answers to common questions about the school's rebuild including project timelines, student relocation plans, construction impacts, transportation and design features. This resource is regularly updated to keep families, staff and community informed. If you have additional questions, reach out to planning@tacoma.k12.wa.us or click the Share Feedback button to submit comments or questions to the district.

Transportation

Q: Will there be transportation for students aged pre-k and below?
A: Students in TPS programs will be eligible to receive transportation to Eastside swing school.
Q: Will travel time on the bus increase due to relocation?
A: Travel time on the bus may increase depending on where students live.
Q: How does the district plan to address the potential effects of extended bus rides on young students?
A: The district is committed to providing safe and efficient transportation for all students and strives to keep ride times under an hour whenever possible. However, due to the size and complexities of our district, some routes may occasionally exceed this goal.

To mitigate the effects of extended ride times, we continuously evaluate our transportation system, exploring route optimizations, adjusting school start times when feasible, and working to balance efficiency with student well-being. Additionally, we collaborate with our transportation team to identify areas for improvement and seek opportunities for enhancements that prioritize student safety and comfort.

We understand the importance of this issue and encourage you to reach out to the district transportation department, who can review potential adjustments. Transportation - Tacoma Public Schools

Bell Times, Enrollment, Services & Programs

Q: Will the bell schedule/start time or bus schedule for Whittier change after the school relocates to the Eastside swing school?
A: Whittier's start time and bell schedule will remain the same. Bus pick up and drop off times will adapt to get students to school on time.
Q: Will OT, PT and Speech services staff relocate to the Eastside school?
A: There are regularly staff changes at every school regardless of relocation circumstances. These decisions are based on staff preferences and district needs. There are no specific staff changes based on school location alone.
Q: Can Whittier students and families apply for school change even though the application period has passed?
A: That will be a district decision that school administration would review.
Q: Will the Champions program relocate to the Eastside swing school?
A: Champions is not a TPS operated program and their decision to relocate will be partially dependent on the operators of that program.
Q: What happens to teachers if enrollment drops during relocation?
A: The district makes staffing decisions based on a variety of considerations and circumstances.
Q: What is the best way to request 4th and 5th grade be added back to Whittier?
A: We understand that school placement is an important decision for families. If you would like to explore the possibility of a change, we encourage you to connect with your school principal, who can provide guidance on available options and next steps.

Construction Plans

Q: Will the permitting process increase the time Whittier needs to relocate to the Eastside swing school?
A: The permitting process is not expected to delay the expected schedule that will allow students to move into the newly constructed Whittier building in fall of 2027.
Q: Can the relocation be changed so Whittier students can relocate to the West End swing site?
A: The current redevelopment schedule is currently believed to be in the best interest of students and district administrative needs.
Q: How long will staff and student attend the Eastside school site?
A: Starting September 2025, staff and students will use the former McKinley campus for the next two school years, during construction of their new school.
Q: Is TPS required to buy American materials as part of this project?
A: While not required by law to buy American materials, TPS makes an effort to do so where fiscally responsible.
Q: Was there another proposal for site location of the new Whittier building?
A: There was an early idea to exchange the location of the school and adjacent tennis courts that received negative responses from the Fircrest community, so that idea was abandoned.
Q: Will permits for Whittier's replacement project get approved by the City of Fircrest Planning Commission and Hearing Examiner?
A: Yes.
Q: What part of the permit approval process is open for public comment?
A: That will be determined by City of Fircrest Permitting Department.
Q: What is the expected life span of the new Whittier building?
A: At least 50 years.
Q: Will any trees be cut down on the property?
A: We understand the importance of trees to the environment and the well-being of students and community. As part of the planning process, we will follow the recommendations of a professional arborist study to assess which trees can be preserved and which may need to be removed. Our goal is to minimize impact while incorporating thoughtful landscaping plans that support a healthy and sustainable environment.
Q: Where can I find the latest information and stay up to date on the plans and progress of the construction?
A: There are many ways to stay connected and get the latest news and updates by visiting Whittier’s construction website to follow the construction progress, share feedback, join the email distribution list and read the frequently asked questions.
Q: When does the Design Advisory Committee (DAC) begin?
A: The DAC meetings will be scheduled in coordination with the design-build team once they are approved by the Tacoma School Board of Directors. Meetings are tentatively projected to start in the spring of 2025.
Q: Will there be a covered play area at the new Whittier school?
A: Yes, amenities, such as covered play areas, that currently exist on site will be kept or rebuilt depending on their current condition and site availability.
Q: Will a survey be sent to Fircrest community members and Whittier families regarding the rebuild of the new school?
A: While there is not currently a survey planned specific to the rebuild, we value hearing from families and will share this suggestion with the appropriate design-build project team once hired, which is expected to take place late-March.

Safety & Security

Q: Will there be an increase in police or security presence at the Eastside school?
A: There is not expected to be an increase in school patrol or police presence at the Eastside school.
Q: What safety/security features are at the Eastside school?
A: Eastside school campus is fully fenced. The school recently underwent renovations to add a secure main entry vestibule with new intercom and camera, card reader systems at all entry/exit doors and interior and exterior cameras.

About Eastside Swing School

Q: Is swinging students to Wainwright instead of McKinley an option?
A: Using Wainwright as a swing site is not an option due to enrollment capacity. The school does not have the available space to accommodate additional students while continuing to serve its current population.
Q: Is the floor plan at the Eastside school good for accommodating elementary school students?
A: Yes, multiple elementary schools have successfully relocated to the Eastside school site.
Q: Will the new Whittier school be ADA accessible?
A: Yes. ADA improvements have been recently made to the school, which include an elevator and ramps.
Q: Are there adequate ADA restrooms at Eastside school site?
A: Yes, Eastside school site is ADA compliant.
Q: What is the condition of the Eastside school site playground?
A: Eastside school has two K-5 playground sets, a pre-K small toy set and swings. All playground equipment at the Eastside school site is in safe condition and has been recently inspected and approved for use by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Q: Is Eastside school site three stories?
A: Yes, the Eastside school site building is three stories served by an elevator.
Q: Is a therapy room available at Eastside school site?
A: Yes, there are rooms that can be utilized as a therapy room.
Q: Is there secure parking at the Eastside school site?
A: There is adequate on-street parking at Eastside school site monitored by cameras that has served multiple school relocations without incident.
Q: Is there a covered play area at the Eastside school site?
A: Yes, there is indoor space that can be used for play activities at the principal’s discretion.
Q: Is there air conditioning at the Eastside school?
A: The HVAC system was recently upgraded. Additionally, a new central air conditioning system will be installed this summer.

Contact

General questions: planning@tacoma.k12.wa.us