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Building History
Kalles Junior High School
The present Kalles Junior High School opened in 2007 and was constructed under the 2004 Bond Program as a replacement project for the old Kalles Junior High buildings. Although the address did change (previously 515 3/ St SE), the new Kalles Junior High remains on the same 15.49-acre site located east of Meridian Avenue South and on the north side of 7% Avenue Southeast in downtown Puyallup. The project architect was Northwest Architectural Company from Seattle and Spokane, Washington. The general contractor was Absher Construction from Puyallup, Washington. The new 100,000 square foot school building houses thirty-nine (39) total teaching stations. This includes 21 classroom areas, 9 laboratory classrooms, and program space for band, chorus, drama, art, library, and gymnasium and weight/fitness room. It is designed to house an 800-student population.
Kalles Junior High School was first opened as East Junior High School in 1956. In 1970, the name was changed to Eileen B. Kalles Junior High School. Mrs. Eileen B. Kalles, a long-time Puyallup resident and a leading citizen in education and community affairs, was a member of the Puyallup School Board for fifteen years, from 1952 through 1966. She was well known in state education programs and served on the Washington State Board of Education from October 1962 until January 1981. In addition to her heavy school responsibilities, Mrs. Kalles was active in numerous civic organizations in the city and county.
In 2012, the building received a Building Assessment Score of 90, which is the maximum rating allowed for a building of at least one year of age. The new Kalles Junior High building will be eligible for state matching funds for modernization or new construction in lieu of modernization in the year 2037.