Bond 2024
Election Date: November 5, 2024
Issaquah School District is asking the community to consider a school modernization and construction bond in the November 5, 2024 election.
School construction and modernization are minimally funded by the state, which is why school districts rely on local, voter-approved bond funding. Funding from the bond would be used to modernize buildings and infrastructure, giving every student in our district access to secure schools and innovative learning experiences that prepare them for their future. Bond funding would preserve our investment in facilities and ensure efficient and sustainable operations.
Safety &
Security
- Update intercom systems, and visitor, entry access, and building monitoring systems.
- Replace approximately 1,600 outdated security cameras districtwide.
- Install anti-intruder window coverings.
- Improve perimeter security, including driveway gates and additional fencing, where needed.
- Continue to upgrade or replace fire alarm systems, where needed.
Cost: $17,900,000
Building Modernization & Efficiency
- Replace or repair aging roofs at 27 sites.
- Repair or update:
- Heating and cooling systems at 26 sites.
- Plumbing, exterior walls, and windows to extend the life of our buildings.
- Audio and visual technology systems to support modern learning.
- Kitchen areas and equipment at 20 sites.
- Upgrade and install new lighting and control systems to improve cost efficiency and sustainability at 25 sites.
Cost: $317,045,000
High School Capacity & Program Expansion
- Remodel all high schools to expand career preparation and real-world learning, including health sciences, design, manufacturing, engineering, and more.
- Construct a new high school to reduce overcrowding, improve student learning experiences and support mental health and well-being.
- Add space districtwide to develop new and innovative programs and expand access to specialized training such as certifications, internships, and work experiences.
Cost: $261,300,000
Student Support, Well-Being & Athletics
- Make safety and accessibility enhancements at elementary school play areas by replacing surfaces, drains, and old equipment to support inclusive environments for all students.
- Add or upgrade accessibility features for students with disabilities, which may include sensory spaces, assistive technology, learning spaces and playgrounds.
- Install lighting at three middle school sports fields to increase safety and community access.
- Replace synthetic turf and resurface tracks at two high schools and three middle schools.
Cost: $46,100,000
The 2024 Bond was developed by a volunteer group of community members, alumni, staff members, parents and students.
The Bond Advisory Committee met for three months to evaluate facility needs and cost data in order to recommend a bond proposal to the superintendent. The committee was made up of more than 60 volunteers, including students, staff, parents, alumni and community members. Many of the volunteers fit more than one of those categories; while some had previously served on district committees, others were new to the process.
The committee members represented all the geographic regions of the district and all the elementary, middle and high school levels. See the process.
Why is bond funding needed?
School bonds specifically provide funds for building and maintenance.
Construction renovating and building new schools, property acquisition, repairing facilities and systems within the building to ensure students learning safe, secure and modern classrooms.
The State of Washington provides minimal funding for the regular building or maintenance of public schools. Instead, local voters must approve school bonds or levies for this purpose. State law mandates that bond dollars be used only for building and maintenance, not classroom operations or salaries.
The bond is estimated to cost 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. This is about $24/month (or $290/year) for a home with an assessed value of $1,000,000.
If the bond is approved, the total combined rate of all existing local school levies and bonds is estimated to be $3.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value, compared to the previous 20-year average tax rate of $3.91. In total, the $642,345,000 would be paid off over the next two decades.
Projects by Location
The November 2024 bond measure would fund projects at schools and facilities across the district, in four major categories. To find out what is proposed near you, locate the name of the school, program or facility at the left, then check to see which project types are marked in the columns at the right. This information is also available with additional details in our list of planned projects by type. When looking at the map, please note that the southeast portion of the district is outside the Urban Growth Boundary; the district can’t build outside the UGB. Students who live in the southeast part of the district generally attend schools in the southwest part of the district.
Board Presentations About the Bond
| City | Date | Link to Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Issaquah City Council | Aug. 5, 2024 | City of Issaquah - Meeting Video |
| Newcastle City Council | Aug. 20, 2024 | City of Newcastle - Meeting Video |
Completed Projects from Prior Bonds
We have completed 58 projects from the past three bond measures, for a completion rate of 95%. The November 2024 bond measure will help us maintain our investments in quality learning spaces and support facilities. Project completion history for the 2006, 2012 and 2016 bond measures are available on our website. See the projects.
2016 Bond
Pine Lake Middle School Rebuild
Built in 1974, Pine Lake Middle School was rebuilt in 2018, now featuring updated technology and energy-efficient operations.
Cougar Mountain Middle School
Opened in early 2022, the new middle school serves 850 students in grades 6-8. The 130,000-square-foot building reduces crowding and meets future district needs.
Cedar Trails Elementary School
Elementary #16 opened August 2021. It is located on the Issaquah-Pine Lake Road on a portion of a 13-acre site known locally as the Volpe property.
Cougar Ridge Elementary School Expansion & Remodel
Expansion project at Cougar Ridge improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.
Discovery Elementary School Expansion & Remodel
Expansion project at Discovery improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.
District Administration Building
The Issaquah School District acquired an office building to relocate its administrative offices. The new building is located at 5150 220th Ave. S.E., Issaquah.
Endeavour Elementary School Expansion & Remodel
Expansion project at Endeavour improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.
Beaver Lake Middle School Renovation
The project provides HVAC upgrades, added storage for the Music program, new covered play area and various cosmetic updates to the 23 year old Plateau middle school.
Maple Hills Elementary School Renovation
Improved HVAC, upgraded finishes, and added office and classroom space. The 2016 office remodel enhanced safety. Bus and vehicle drop-off areas were reconfigured for better traffic flow before 2017.
Sunset Elementary School Expansion
Expansion project at Sunset increased permanent capacity due to anticipated enrollment growth.
2012 Bond
Liberty High School Addition & Modernization
Addition and Modernizations to Liberty increasing student capacity with state of the art teaching environments. To capitalize on connectivity, the design provides socially interactive common areas - both inside and out – and a welcoming entry to give the school a sense of place and community presence.
Liberty High School Grandstand & Stadium Improvements
The project consists of a new home side grandstand for 2,022 fans. A new 3,000 sq/ft amenity building will house concessions, restrooms, offices and storage at the south end zone.
Sunny Hills Elementary School Rebuild
A new two-story school was constructed on the existing play field and adjacent property, along with temporary bus loop and outdoor play area. The project scope included demolition of the old school and site development including: play areas, rain gardens, new bus loop and a wetland buffer. On site-portables were remodeled and maintained for future growth.
Gibson Ek High School
Designs for converting Gibson EK for the renovation and addition provided flexible and diverse learning spaces. The Commons includes a theatrical stage, lounge area, individual cooking and an informal library that opens directly to the exterior to expand the learning environment.
Clark Elementary School Rebuild
To meet increased capacity at Clark Elementary School, a classroom program expansion and a new gymnasium were developed as a three-story addition—the first for Issaquah School District—in order to fit on the constrained site.
Issaquah Middle School Rebuild
Construction on the new Issaquah Middle School was complete in September 2016, providing a new learning environment with updated technology and energy efficient operations.
Apollo Elementary School Addition & Modernization
Expansion project at Apollo improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.
Issaquah Valley Elementary School Addition & Modernization
Expansion project at Issaquah Valley improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.
Skyline High School Grandstand & Stadium Improvements
New home grandstand for up to 2500 spectators. End zone facilities include offices, team rooms, concessions and storage.
Issaquah High School Stadium Improvements
Renovation and expansion of the press box and visitor side seating at Issaquah HS stadium.
Bond-Related Events & Dates
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Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA
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Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA
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Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA
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Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA