Levies Support Student Well-Being, Learning, School Operations 

On February 10, 2026, our community will vote on three renewal levies that fund essential educational services not covered by the state.

The Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy is a critical source of funding for the Issaquah School District, making up 16.6% of the district’s annual general fund operating budget. These local, voter-approved funds sustain essential staffing, programs, and services that the state does not fully cover.

 

The EP&O Levy supports three priority areas from our Strategic Plan:

1. Student Well-Being

The levy helps fund the staff and programs that support student safety, mental health, and belonging every day, including:*

• Mental health counselors
• School nurses and nursing support
• School security officers and safety staff
• Guidance counseling, equity and family partnership programs
• VOICE Mentor Program
• Clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities

These services help keep students physically safe, emotionally supported, and connected to their school community.

*Funding examples:

• 40 counselors, social workers, nurses and health room specialists, psychologists and security officers are levy-funded.
• With the exception of participation fees, 100% of our athletic programs are funded by the EP&O Levy.
   

 

2. Academic Opportunities

EP&O funding expands access to academic pathways and instructional time, including:

• 7-period high school day
• Summer school programs
• Dual Language Program, including the potential addition of Chinese/Mandarin
• Gibson Ek High School (competency-based learning)
• Curriculum materials and interventions
• Special education services that exceed state funding**

These opportunities help students grow, explore interests, and meet learning goals.

**Funding fact:  Our district has continually been underfunded in special education by about $9.5 million per year for legally required special education services. That amount is increasing. We cover the gap with levy dollars.
 

 

3. Organizational Effectiveness

The levy provides operational and staffing resources that keep schools running smoothly, such as:

• Additional teachers to provide lower class sizes***
• Substitute coverage for certificated and classified staff
• Custodial and maintenance staffing: we use levy funding to pay for 71 custodial and maintenance professionals above state funding; they help keep our schools clean, warm, safe and dry.
• Transportation services above state allocations

These investments help ensure clean, safe schools and reliable transportation so students can attend school and activities each day.

***Funding Fact: ISD averaged 21.3 students per class in the 2023-24 school year, the most recent data available from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

• 271 teachers and paraprofessionals are levy funded, lowering class sizes and providing in-class support.

To learn more about EP&O Levy funding, visit the district's levy webpage.