How Do Portables Get Moved?
In September, students returning to some schools found new portable classrooms had been placed over the summer — or that former portables had been removed from the school. In total, nine classrooms were transported from one school to another during the summer of 2019.
Seattle Public Schools often uses portable classrooms to address the need for more classroom space at district schools. Usually referred to simply as “portables,” these transportable buildings provide flexible options. They can be installed quickly and then removed if they are no longer needed due to construction or lower enrollment. With enrollment growth, the district has placed 105 portable classrooms in the past five years (2014–2018) to increase capacity at schools throughout the district.
But how do they get moved?
The slideshow below shows portables being removed from Bagley Elementary School and being installed at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School. Moving portables requires a city permit and City of Seattle Commercial Vehicle Enforcement escorts. Portable units can be moved through the city streets only in early morning hours.