Superintendent: Welcome Back and Happy New Year  

Dear Issaquah School District students, families and staff, 

Welcome back, and happy New Year. I hope the holiday break offered you time to rest, reconnect and enjoy moments with those who matter most. As we begin 2026, we are grateful to welcome students and staff back to our schools and classrooms. 

This year, we look forward to a strong start filled with learning, connection and joy. Together, we will continue supporting students, families and staff, leading with gratitude and finding ways to listen, respond and serve our community with care. 

As daily routines resume, we recognize that events beyond our schools, both nationally and globally, may feel unsettling for some. Our schools remain safe, welcoming places where students can learn, grow and feel supported each day. 

Recently approved by the School Board, our Portrait of a Graduate reflects the skills and experiences our community values for every student, from early learning through high school. These priorities will help guide our work as we refresh our three-year Strategic Plan, with collaboration from the School Board, staff and our community. 

In the months ahead, families will see continued efforts to strengthen engagement and access, including open enrollment options for the 2026–27 school year, the launch of ISD Online and expanded whole-child supports. This includes additional access to breakfast programs, early learning opportunities and before- and after-school care. We also remain focused on financial transparency and responsible stewardship through ongoing community advisory partnerships that help guide budget planning and long-term projections. 

February 2026 includes important ballot measures for our community, with four-year renewal levies for Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) and Capital (critical repairs and technology), along with a one-year Transportation (school bus) levy. These local renewal levies continue our efforts to maintain a stable tax rate and support essential services not fully funded by the state or federal government, including day-to-day learning, student supports, mental health, safety, transportation, technology, critical repairs and more. These levies do not fund new school construction, nor the new high school. Learn more on the district website.  

We are also continuing work to address high school overcrowding. The district is moving forward with a smaller, more cost-effective version of the previously approved high school project, funded through existing voter-approved resources and state support. The project is in the early planning and review stages with the city. More details and community updates will be shared soon. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We are grateful for our students, families and staff, and we look forward to a year of learning, growth and connection across our district. 

Wishing you a healthy, hopeful and joyful start to 2026. 

Sincerely, 

 
Heather Tow-Yick 
Superintendent