School Board Recap: March 11, 2026

The Issaquah School Board held a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at the Issaquah School District Administration Building. The meeting was open to the public and broadcast live on the district’s YouTube channel, where a recording of the meeting is available. This recap highlights selected topics of discussion and board actions. It is not an official record of the meeting. Official minutes can be found on the district’s board meeting archive webpage, and additional information about future meetings is available on the School Board page.

 

Work Study Recap

Board directors offered a summary of the work study session held directly before the regular session. During that session, directors and staff met with leaders of the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Board members shared their thoughts and reflections about the session. Director Matt Coyne asked community members to consider volunteering and learning more about the foundation and other community organizations such as the individual school PTAs, emphasizing the ongoing need for parents and community members to work together in support of our students, families and community. Additionally, the foundation is hosting its annual “Nourish Every Mind” luncheon fundraiser, which showcases programs made possible by foundation donors. The event is on April 30, and registration is open now.

 

Works in Progress

Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick shared highlights of projects and activities from around the district, including:

• Upcoming dates, events, heritage and cultural observances for February, March and April.
• The district was selected as one of the top 25 districts in Washington state for Excellence in Student Achievement by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in a new statewide award recognizing student achievement and progress.
• Issaquah School District is a Grand Prize Winner in the National School Board Association’s 2026 Magna Awards, which recognize three districts across the United States for indoor air quality innovation to protect student health.
• The Issaquah Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Great Careers event for high school students in our district, featuring a career expo, helping students find their “why,” get headshots taken and more. The event is also supported by the Issaquah Schools Foundation and our district’s Career and Technical Education event.
• Tow-Yick spoke at the recent “State of the City” event, hosted by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, sharing updates about our district.
• On March 17, seven of our schools in the district are hosting over 200 superintendents and district leaders from across the country as part of the League of Innovative Schools’ Spring Convening. “It’s a great opportunity to not only spotlight our schools but to elevate teacher leaders and principals in their work, and to center on student voice. This is a great opportunity for our district,” Tow-Yick said.
• District leaders are visiting sites throughout the district to hear from teachers and staff members about the refresh of the Strategic Plan; and also with other groups. The refresh has a particular focus on Student Well-Being and Academic Opportunities.

 

Bond Refunding Update

District administrators and representatives of Foster Garvey PC, Piper Sandler and NW Municipal Advisors shared a financing update and plan to reduce the existing borrowing cost to save taxpayer funds. Board members reviewed three draft resolutions, which will be presented for consideration and possible adoption at the March 26 board meeting.

“The benefit of refinancing your existing debt is to the district taxpayers,” said Trevor Carlson, managing director of Public Finance for Piper Sandler. Refinancing existing debt translates to reduced property tax costs for property owners, Carlson explained.

The draft resolutions are available on the district website.

If approved, the refunding could save as much as an estimated $6.5 million, Carlson said.

 

2026-27 Budget Update

Chief of Finance and Operations Martin Turney and Executive Director of Finance Moriah Banasick updated the board members about the development of the 2026-27 budget.

Administrators thanked the community for approving the renewal of the district’s Educational Programs and Operations; Critical Repairs and Technology; and Transportation levy measures in the February election. The levy funding helps pay for programs and services that are not fully funded by the state and provide stability as the district continues long-term financial planning.

Budget Development milestones:

• Last November staff shared with the board that the 2024-25 school year ended with a $6.2 million decline in fund balance. Enrollment declined 559 students year over year; enrollment-driven revenue pressures are growing. Strategic alignment and cost containment will be needed in 2026-27 and beyond. Board members also adopted Budget Development Guidelines to guide long-term sustainability planning.
• Staff shared with the board and community during public meetings about legislative updates that affect our budget work, including:
  • Rising operational costs such as insurance, utilities, staffing and contracted services. For example, insurance increase of 18%.
  • State budget proposals include statewide reductions to Transition to Kindergarten funding, which shifts early learning costs to districts like ours.
  • The Legislature proposed review of the impact of extending school bus depreciation schedule from 13 to 15 years.
  • Under consideration is removing the sales tax exemption for schools; the impact would be that districts would face significant new operating costs.
  • While local levy revenue has increased, expenditures are growing at a faster rate.
• In February, the board members reviewed updated enrollment and demographer data.

As shared during the levy information sessions in recent months, administrators noted that our district has declining enrollment particularly at the elementary level, and state funding is largely driven by enrollment. As enrollment has declined, per student operating costs are increasing.

Next steps for budget development for the 2026-27 school year include:

• Continuing to monitor legislative session impacts
• Refining 2026-27 enrollment projections (as a reminder, the district is open to enrollment for students who live outside the district for the 2026-27 school year; and students who live in the district can apply to transfer to a different school within the district)
• Working with labor partners to evaluate staffing and operational adjustments while leveraging attrition
• Evaluating district programs, operations and services to align resources with enrollment trends
• Continuing to develop updated multi-year financial projections
• Providing ongoing updates to the board and community members

 

Capital Projects Update and Resolution Regarding Intent to Build

Director of Capital Projects Tom Mullins shared a presentation about the New High School, including a recap of the design, project budget, project management services and more. The board members approved a resolution to approve and accept the Guaranteed Maximum Price as an amendment to the original agreement between the district and the Design-Builder, Skanska USA Building for the New High School; the board members also approved a resolution to approve and adopt the Intent to Construct the New High School. Board members asked questions, discussed the project, and unanimously approved both resolutions.

The project is approved to begin site work on April 1.

 

Monitoring Report for Operational Expectation 16, Equity

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Donna Hood and Executive Director of Equity Alaina Sivadasan presented the Monitoring Report for Operational Expectation 16 (OE-16), Equity for the 2024-25 school year. A Student Representative to the School Board shared a report of student feedback about OE-16. Board directors asked questions and discussed the monitoring report, and voted unanimously to approve the report.

 

Calendar and Future Agenda Topics

The board scheduled:

• A joint engagement meeting with City of Issaquah leaders from 5-7 p.m. on April 27, to be hosted by the city.
• Listening sessions for the board members to hear from students during the school day about how homework and grading practices affect students at our three comprehensive high schools:
  • 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at Skyline High School
  • 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at Liberty High School
  • 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at Issaquah High School