As the Davis School District grows, so does construction of new school buildings and remodeling of some of the older ones which raises the question – why are there so many portables? Currently, 68 of its 89 traditional schools have portables, with the total number being 336.

“The vast majority of them are used for classrooms, but they are also used as program breakout rooms for STEM, after-school classes, prep time, office space and storage,” said Christopher Williams, Director of Communication & Operations. “Schools are designed to last for 60 years, and during that time, growth and decline in student enrollment are expected. So rather than building oversized schools that may have empty classrooms, the district utilizes portables as a flexible solution to address temporary student growth. This approach allows the district to maintain manageable class sizes and adapt to demographic shifts within each community.”

Each summer, the district reassesses enrollment projections and relocates portable classrooms as needed for the upcoming year, he said. “This ensures that the district continues to use its facilities efficiently and is able to respond to shifts in demand.”

Williams said teacher preferences for portables vary. “Many teachers who are in portables request their classes be there because they enjoy the autonomy and unique environment they provide. It’s a highly individual choice and often reflects personal teaching styles.”

Portables will also always be used and school boundary adjustments could also be made before the district considers whether it should construct a new school, he said.

“The district’s approach to prioritize when and where school remodels or new construction should take place is based on data-driven insights into growth trends, and the age, condition and wear and tear of each school building,” said Williams. “Minor upgrades are funded through the district’s existing capital budget, while larger projects – such as new buildings or major additions – are typically financed through future bond measures, which are approved during general elections by Davis County voters.”

Such a project, like the renovation of Bountiful High School’s football field, was one of many projects that were approved by voters in the district’s 2022 Building Improvement and Construction Plan, he said. “One of the results of the renovation was not only a new turf surface which could be used for multiple sports, but also the construction of a new eight-lane track and turf field. Previously, the track only sported five lanes and couldn’t host regional track meets. Tax rates did not increase because of the passage of that proposed bond because rising property values, new homes and new businesses contribute to a broader tax base in the county.”

Williams said in all, the use of portables reflects a balanced approach to growth management, which provides the district the ability to be flexible, fiscally responsible and focuses on the long-term needs of the community. λ