School Board Meeting Recap: May 8, 2025

The Issaquah School Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, May 8, at the Issaquah School District Administration Building. The meeting was open to the public, and was broadcast live on the district’s YouTube channel, where a recording of the meeting is available. 

Today we’re sharing a summary of a few of the topics the board and district staff discussed and actions the board took at the meeting. It is not an official record or meeting minutes. To review official minutes from all board meetings, please visit our board meeting archive webpage. Or, for other board information such as upcoming meeting dates, times and agendas, and more, visit our School Board page. 

Student Art Celebration 

Three student artists were honored as their work was added to the Kateri D. Brow Memorial Student Art Collection. This year’s pieces reflect creativity across grade levels, showcasing themes of individuality and identity. 

• Ashna Kumar - 5th grade student at Sunset Elementary, artwork titled “Uniquely Adorable” 
• Rishika Chinthakini - 7th grade student at Beaver Lake Middle artwork titled “Harmony in Uniqueness” 
• Ananya Koimuttum - 11th grade student at Liberty High, artwork titled “What Makes Me” 

WSSDA Regional Meeting 

Board members shared takeaways from the Washington State School Directors’ Association Area 2 North meeting, including sustainability-focused school design, dual language programming, and collaborative learning with peers from neighboring districts. 

Report Out on the Issaquah Schools Foundation “Nourish Every Mind” Student Showcase 

School Board directors shared reflections from the recent ISF student showcase, which was hosted on May 1. For more information about NEM, visit the foundation website. 

Work Study Recap 

Before the regular session of the board meeting, the directors met for a work study session to discuss recent listening sessions with high school students to better understand delivery of district services. Board members shared their thoughts with district and school leadership during this work study session. 

Superintendent’s Report – Works in Progress 

Superintendent Tow-Yick shared highlights from across the district: 

• Board Website and Agendas: A new system is in progress to improve access to Board agendas and documents. 
• Last Day of School: The state approved a one-day waiver. The last day for students is now Tuesday, June 24. 
• Career Kickstart Program: Nearly 50 high school students will participate in a new, hands-on summer career program, supported by the Issaquah Schools Foundation. 
• High School Programming: educational audits, student focus groups and parent/caregiver surveys continues.
• School Visits: Board members and district leaders visited several schools, including Sunny Hills, Pine Lake, and Grand Ridge, and toured an innovative microschool site with the Gates Foundation. 
• Teacher Appreciation: Superintendent Tow-Yick thanked families and PTSA groups for celebrating staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. The Board is considering sending a letter of recognition to staff in the future. 

Sustainability Policy: Second Read 

During this school year, a group of high school students worked with members of the board, former members of the board, and staff, to help create a new policy about sustainability, Operational Expectation 17 (OE-17). After a second reading of the proposed policy and discussion, the board voted to approve OE-17. 

Technology Update 

Members of the administration provided an update about technology for the board. The presentation included: 

• A review of work of the Technology Advisory Committee 
• Feedback and action steps about the student 1:1 laptop initiative 
• An overview of AI-related regulation, training opportunities and resource development 
• A preview of upcoming training, replacement levy preparation (the current Capital Levy that includes funding for technology will expire if it is not replaced), organizational updates and recommendations from a consultant. 

Use of Cell Phones 

District leaders are reviewing research, state guidance and practices in other districts related to student cell phone use during the school day. The goal is to ensure district guidelines support student learning, safety and well-being. 

The School Board heard from district leaders about current practices and data showing a reduction in student resistance over time. Clear, consistent expectations, such as “off and away” during instructional time, are being implemented across all grade levels. 

Superintendent Tow-Yick emphasized the importance of balancing responsible technology use with minimizing distractions in the classroom. Board members expressed a desire for consistent, school-level plans for cell phone use across elementary, middle and high schools. The district aims to establish aligned expectations while remaining mindful of developmental needs and the importance of family communication. 

District staff will engage students, families and educators before finalizing any recommendations or changes. Updates will be shared as this work continues. 

Monitoring Report: Results 4, regarding Life Management and Personal Awareness 

Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick and administrators presented a monitoring report for Results 4: Life Management and Personal Awareness. “This report provides an annual internal review of the district’s progress toward ensuring students live healthy, satisfying, and productive lives, as outlined in Results 4. It presents evidence that students are developing knowledge and skills in physical health, mental and emotional wellness, digital citizenship, personal strengths and interests, higher-level thinking, resilience, collaboration, goal-setting, and financial literacy. Data sources include course completion, survey responses, and participation in co-curricular activities. The report identifies both strengths and areas for growth and outlines strategic actions taken to enhance instruction, update curricula, and align educational experiences with student well-being and future readiness,” the executive summary states. 

Directors and Student Representatives to the School Board asked questions and engaged in robust discussion. The board voted unanimously to approve the monitoring report. 

Communication Strategies 

Executive Director of Communications Mark Sherwood shared an update about proposed strategies for the 2025-26 school year. Sherwood talked about potential strategies including: 

• Purpose and alignment 
• Using the RPIE (Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation) framework to guide communication work 
• Building trust with families and community members 
• Engaging the broader community 
• Elevating the district narrative 
• Empowered customer service 
• Proactive crisis communications 
• Measuring impact and moving forward 

Legislative Matters   

Director A.J. Taylor said now that the Legislative Session is over, the district is awaiting the governor’s approval of the state budget. Taylor mentioned that district officials are thankful for modest increases in special education and Materials, Supplies and Operating Costs (MSOC) funding. He has reached out to state Representatives Victoria Hunt and Lisa Callan to ask about meeting for further discussions this summer. 

Superintendent Tow-Yick said she is also grateful for the increases in special education and MSOC. She noted that the bill about eminent domain had some components that our district supported. 

Planning and Future Topics

The board discussed topics for future board meeting agendas and planned upcoming meetings and work sessions. These included: 

• A reminder that the board will host a Town Hall from 5:30-7 p.m. on Monday, May 12 at Issaquah Middle School. 
• The start time for the June 10 regular board meeting was adjusted to 7:30 p.m. 
• Three School Improvement Plan (SIP) meetings were scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on November 4, December 2 and December 8. 
• The fall School Board Retreat was scheduled for September 29 and 30 in the board room at the District Administration Building.