Blue Fern Development
The Rainier School Board is committed to making informed decisions based on facts, data, and the long-term interests of our students, staff, taxpayers, and community.
The purpose of this webpage is to provide transparent and timely information regarding the proposed Blue Fern Development Project and its potential impact on the Rainier School District. The Board has not made any decisions regarding future actions related to district boundaries, student enrollment, facilities, or educational services associated with this development.
As information becomes available, this page will be updated to keep the community informed about the District's efforts to gather information, assess potential impacts, and engage stakeholders throughout the process.
Commitment to Transparency
The Rainier School Board recognizes the significant public interest surrounding the Blue Fern Development Project. The Board remains committed to:
- Maintaining an open and transparent process
- Sharing information as it become available
- Listening to community input
- Reviewing factual data and professional analyses
Information Gathering & Impact Analysis
The Rainier School Board is currently in the information-gathering phase of its review process . During this phase, the District is collecting data and seeking information from various sources to better understand the potential educational, operational, financial, and facility impacts of the proposed development .
Community Information Work Sessions
The Board will continue to hold public work sessions to provide factual information regarding the Blue Fern Development Project. Work sessions will include opportunities for School Board questions and public comment.
Click the sections below to see the specific topics the Board may review.
Community Engagement and Public Information
The District plans to conduct a community-wide survey to gather feedback regarding growth, enrollment, and the Blue Fern Development Project.
Potential survey topics include:
- Community perspectives on future growth
- Opportunities and concerns associated with the development
- Educational priorities for the district
- Information residents would like to receive before forming opinions
- Long-term community considerations
Survey results will be shared publicly and considered alongside other information gathered during the Board's review process.
Project Activity Timeline
![July 22, 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782835630/rainierwednetedu/hmq1sayowza1ws4foqz7/GrowthandPlanningUpdateThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782835630/rainierwednetedu/hmq1sayowza1ws4foqz7/GrowthandPlanningUpdateThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782835630/rainierwednetedu/hmq1sayowza1ws4foqz7/GrowthandPlanningUpdateThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782835630/rainierwednetedu/hmq1sayowza1ws4foqz7/GrowthandPlanningUpdateThumbnail.png","width":1024}])
At the July 22, 2026 Rainier School District Board Meeting Superintendent Bahr read a statement
regarding the Blue Fern Development Project and addressed some emails received
from Todd Stancil, City of Yelm Administrator. Superintendent Bahr assured the
community there would be lots of discussion and transparency including contacting a
land attorney to help navigate through the decision making process regarding the Blue
Fern Development Project. Mr. Bahr announced we have an official Rainier School
District website that is continuously being updated and encouraged community
members to go to our official site when gathering information. Included on the website
will be “Frequently Asked Questions”. The Board set a second community work session
for Wednesday, September 16th. There will be a survey with questions and concerns
prior to the work session. Director Stillings mentioned the possibility of exploring the
increase in the Rainier School District mitigation fees.
Superintendent Bahr met with City of Rainier officials to discuss the Blue Fern Development Project, school mitigation fees, and other growth-related issues that may affect the Rainier School District and community.
Superintendent Bahr received legal guidance recommending that the District continue gathering information and evaluating the potential impacts of the Blue Fern Development Project. Legal counsel also recommended updating the District's Long-Range Facilities Plan. The District has begun exploring options for engaging a consultant to assist with this review.
At the direction of the Rainier School Board, Superintendent Bahr sent formal letters to the City of Yelm and Blue Fern Development requesting information to help the District better understand the scope and potential impacts of the proposed project.
The District requested information related to:
- Student enrollment projections
- Development timelines and phasing
- Transportation impacts
- School mitigation fees
- Infrastructure planning
- Potential impacts on district facilities and operations
This information will assist the Board in conducting a comprehensive review of the potential educational, operational, financial, and facility impacts associated with future growth.
During the regular Rainier School Board meeting, three community members provided public comment regarding the Blue Fern Development Project, including concerns related to future growth and rising property costs. The Board also received a written letter from Brittany St. Clair outlining perceived opportunities and challenges associated with the proposed development.
Superintendent Bryon Bahr sought legal guidance regarding the Blue Fern Development Project and the potential implications for the Rainier School District.
The Rainier School Board held a public Work Session and Community Meeting regarding the Blue Fern Development Project. Representatives from the City of Yelm, including Todd Stancil and Cody Colt, provided an overview of the project and answered questions from School Board members. Community members also provided public comment and shared concerns regarding the potential impacts of the development on the Rainier community and schools.