Committee Recommends Levy Proposals to Superintendent

The members of the 2026 Levy Advisory Committee reached consensus on a package of proposed levy renewal measures during the committee’s fourth meeting on September 30. The committee recommends that the superintendent propose the renewal of all three of the district’s current levy measures, along with some specific feedback about prior areas of investment and the potential for innovation or additional investment in some priority areas such as mental health and behavior supports.

Students on the panel spoke about what parts of their school journeys have been most meaningful to them, what has helped shape their goals for the future, their thoughts on specialized programs and support, rigor and critical thinking skills, class sizes, clubs, sports and more.

Collectively, the students shared that clubs, sports, online learning, unique programs such as Liberty High School’s NJROTC (Naval Junior Officers Training Corps), career and pathway opportunities, technology including the 1:1 laptop program for students in grades 6-12, and the district’s great teachers are some of the most meaningful pieces for them. Several students mentioned that our schools create an environment where they can try new things and it’s OK to “fail safely” and learn from those moments. They said that smaller class sizes are often helpful, and that students in our district are grateful for the multiple types of support that are available.

“I just think counselors are so important for both the mental health side of things and also for the academic support,” said Milo Walsh, an 11th grader from Gibson Ek High School who serves as a Student Representative to the School Board.

Liberty High School junior Krish Parashar, who also serves as a Student Representative to the School Board, said he really appreciates the 1:1 device program. “The fact that I can take this computer home and bring it with me all around ... I know some of my peers at other districts don’t have that same privilege. I’m very grateful for that," Parashar said.

About 60 students, parents, caregivers, staff and community members from across the district volunteered for and were invited to serve on the committee, which will have its fifth and final meeting on October 7. Staff presented a proposal for the renewal of each of the district’s three current levies to the committee members, who offered helpful feedback and asked great questions about the funding and its use to support the district mission, vision and strategic priorities. More information about the committee process is available on our website.

The three current levy measures, which will expire unless they are renewed by voters include:

• Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O): This four-year levy provides about 16.6% of the district’s 2025-26 budget, including funding for special education, classroom teachers, nurses, student programs and more.
• Capital Levy: This four-year levy helps pay for Technology and Critical Repairs.
• Transportation Levy: This one-year levy helps pay for school buses.

As part of the levy renewal review, the School Board asked staff to work closely with the committee to continue funding effective programs while exploring improvements and innovations, all within the current total combined tax rate of $3.17 per $1,000 assessed property value. Our district helps attract families and support property values, and while it does not set assessed values, the district recognizes the importance of tax sensitivity and will work to keep the projected tax rate stable. The potential levy measures would go before voters in the February election if the School Board votes to send the measures to the ballot.

The levy committee reached consensus to recommend to the superintendent:

• A modified version of a renewal Transportation Levy, adjusted based on feedback from the committee to expand the district’s electric bus pilot, which is launching this year. The adjusted proposal includes adding more electric buses to the fleet and additional charging infrastructure.
• The renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy, with strong support from committee members for maintaining levy-funded student well-being services such as nurses, counselors, VOICE mentors and safety staff. Committee members also noted they value enrichment and academic opportunities such as the 7-period high school day, dual language program, Gibson Ek High School and early learning.
• The renewal of the Capital Levy (Technology and Critical Repairs) including:
• Technology programs including the 1:1 laptop program, with evaluation of the type of devices, schedule of the replacement cycle and other recommendations. The committee recommends expanding investments in cybersecurity, advanced threat detection and more.
• Critical Repairs, including a prioritized list focusing on projects that keep staff and students safe, warm and dry. These include roofing improvements, improvements to HVAC and plumbing, safety and security improvements and more. The list was developed through an extensive facility needs assessment and a staff survey and scaled to align with the most critical priorities over the next four-year cycle.
   

The committee members will meet for the final time on October 7 to provide input on the communications plans for the levy renewals. Then, Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick will bring her recommendation to the School Board during their October 9 meeting.

If students, staff, families or community members would like to share feedback about the potential renewal of the three levy measures, they are welcome to:

• Email comments or questions to the School Board
• Email our Finance and Communications staff at Issaquah2026Levies@issaquah.wednet.edu
• Speak during public comment at a School Board meeting.