We are pleased to share an update on Tacoma Public Schools’ plans to build a new home for School of Industrial Design, Engineering and Art (iDEA) on the former Gault Middle School site. The District has begun the environmental review process and, as the responsible official, has issued a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) indicating that the project is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental impacts.

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process is a state requirement intended to ensure state and local agencies consider the likely environmental consequences of a proposed project before the project begins. The City of Tacoma also requires submittal of SEPA materials as part of the building and site development permit review process. 

The below documents are available for public and agency review:

• Determination of Non-Significance
• Environmental Checklist w/Surveys and Reports

If you wish to appeal this determination, please submit a written statement requesting an appeal, specifying (a) the determination being appealed; (b) the errors complained of; (c) the corrective action being sought (d) the reasons why the determination should be changed; and (e) whether further oral or written comment or a hearing is requested to planning@tacoma.k12.wa.us by 4:00p.m., October 2, 2026.