Levy Advisory Committee 2026
Levies created by Community Members
A community Levy Advisory Committee met five times in September and October of 2025 to form a recommendation for a package of proposals for replacement levies for February of 2026. Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick considered the committee's recommendations, and forwarded them as a full package to the Issaquah School Board. Board members voted unanimously on October 9 to place all three measures on the February 10, 2026 ballot.
Committee Information
- Volunteers from throughout our district applied to volunteer on the committee. A list of the people who were invited to serve on the committee is available on the website.
- The committee charter is in the meeting materials for the September 9 meeting.
Meetings
Levy Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public to observe. Meetings are scheduled from 6-8 p.m. on these dates:*
- September 9, 16, 24, 30
- October 7
*All of the meetings except for September 16 will be at the district Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave. S.E., Issaquah. The September 16 meeting will be at Maywood Middle School, 14490 168th Ave. S.E., Renton. A meeting had been scheduled for October 14, but the committee concluded its work early. The October 7 meeting will be the final meeting of the committee.
Levy Measures on February 10, 2026, Ballot
School Board members voted unanimously to approve the levy resolutions, placing the three potential renewal levy measures on the February 10, 2026, ballot.
Community Involvement
- Review materials in person at Levy Advisory Committee meetings.
- Attend a levy information session. Dates and locations will be announced.
Have questions?
September 9, 2025
Agenda
Agenda for September 9, 2025
Levy Advisory Committee meeting
Meeting objectives:
- Orientation to the process and tools
- Getting to know the team
- Establish a foundation for success
- Learn about the Transportation Levy
Agenda:
- Introductions: Superintendent, facilitators, committee members
- Committee purpose and charter
- Foundation:
- School funding overview
- Tax rates
- Transportation Levy renewal
- Background
- Alignment to strategic priorities
- Committee consideration
- Close out
- Preview next meeting
- Next steps and homework
Mini Meeting Summary
Levy Committee Meeting: September 9, 2025
The 2026 Levy Advisory Committee met for the first time on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The committee is reviewing proposed funding options and providing feedback about the district’s three levy measures, which will expire unless they are renewed by voters. Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick will consider the group’s recommendation before presenting a proposed levy package to the School Board in October for their consideration.
“Thank you for your work, your brains, for your time and your passion,” Tow-Yick said in her welcome to the committee members. “This is a foundational meeting, but you’re also going to get into some content as well.”
Before the start of Tuesday’s meeting, committee members had the optional opportunity to ride on one of the district’s three new electric buses, which were purchased using grant funding and local levy dollars from the Transportation Levy voters approved in 2022. The grant money covered the difference between the cost of a regular diesel bus and the cost of an electric bus, as well as helping to pay for the charging infrastructure. The buses are not yet in use on any routes in the district because they were just delivered recently.
The committee, which includes students, parents and caregivers, community members, and staff members from throughout the district, heard information about school funding and tax rates. They also reviewed basic information about the district’s three expiring levy measures, which are:
- 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.
Staff members shared additional background information about the Transportation Levy and options for a levy renewal proposal, answered questions from committee members and collected their feedback to help adjust the Transportation Levy proposal. As a framework for the discussion, committee members learned that the district is 110 square miles, and our bus drivers transport students more than 1.4 million miles per year. About 9,500 students ride a bus each morning and afternoon, and the district currently has 170 small and large buses in the fleet, including the three new electric buses. In general, the Transportation Levy supplements state funding, which is enough to pay for 40-60% of the cost of a diesel bus over about 13 years.
Our district replaces buses on a regular life-cycle schedule, typically every 13-15 years, to ensure safety and reliability. Buses are phased out as they age, and a consistent cycle prevents large spikes in replacement needs as well as keeping our fleet service-ready. The Transportation Levy that voters approved in 2022 was a one-year measure, which collected $3 million.
The draft proposal could include a recommendation to consider adding more electric buses to the district fleet, along with replacement diesel buses. Committee members asked questions about transportation data collection, additional details about diesel compared to electric buses, bus maintenance costs, other districts with electric buses, how adding electric buses could help reduce the district’s carbon footprint, and more. Committee members also asked staff to test the electric buses across the district.
The next committee meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16 at Maywood Middle School, 14490 168th Ave. S.E., Renton. Meetings are open to the public to observe.
Additional Meeting Materials
September 16, 2025
Agenda
Agenda
Welcome and Recap
- Revisit the Committee's shared purpose
- Recap of first meeting
Technology portion of Capital Levy
- Review existing (expiring) levy, new initiatives, and options for the 1:1 program
- Table exercise
Critical Repairs portion of Capital Levy
- Review Critical Repairs categories and how they support safe, functional learning environments
- Table exercise
Table Exercise and Closeout
- Group table exercise
- Closeout and next steps
Mini Meeting Summary
Members of the 2026 Levy Advisory Committee gathered at Maywood Middle School on September 16 for their second meeting, which was focused on learning about the Capital Levy.
The Capital Levy is one of the district’s three current levy measures, which will expire unless they are renewed by voters. Across Washington, school districts use local levy dollars to cover the gap between the funding that the state and the federal government provide, and the true cost of school district operations.
Issaquah’s three expiring levy measures, which were approved by voters in 2022, 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.
The committee, which includes students, parents and caregivers, staff members and community volunteers from across the district, is reviewing proposed funding options and providing feedback to the superintendent. During the September 16 meeting, committee members heard about how Capital Levy funds can be used to support Technology and Critical Repairs.
Chief Information Technology Officer Jason Golec and Director of Educational Technology Diana Eggers shared about the current use of levy dollars for technology to provide a Universal Digital Learning Experience. This includes:
- Equitable access such as teaching stations, 1:1 student devices for grades 6-12, and connectivity
- Professional development for staff, a focus on developing teacher skill and knowledge to provide an engaging digital learning experience where they learn technology and also use technology to learn
- Support, including supporting teachers in the classroom, online access for teachers, students and families
They also shared about the next level of planning, which is designed to take students and staff from access and integration to transformative use of technology that enhances and supports student learning at a deeper level.
“It’s not just about the tools we use, but it’s about how we use those tools to empower our students and our staff,” Golec said.
The current Technology portion of the Capital Levy supports the district’s 1:1 device program. Committee members were asked to share their thoughts about whether the district should continue providing a device for every student in grades 6-12 or move toward a hybrid “bring your own device” model where students could bring their own laptop if a family chose to provide one, or the district would provide a laptop for students. Among considerations:
- The 1:1 model costs more, but allows for equitable access, support and security for all students with minimal disruption to instructional time.
- A hybrid “bring your own device” model would cost less, but is complex to support, has less guaranteed security, a risk of equity gaps if not managed, and has the potential to disrupt instructional time significantly due to troubleshooting a variety of devices, platforms and programs.
On a scale of 1 to five where 1 is “strongly disagree” and 5 is “strongly agree,” committee members who were present rated continuing with a 1:1 program at a 4.4; the hybrid “bring your own device” option was rated at 1.9.
Golec also shared some new initiatives that levy funding could be used to support, such as leveraging AI in Education; creating a Data Warehouse; piloting WiFi on school buses; a crisis alert safety platform; digital security testing and training; and device upgrades and modernization.
District leaders and staff are planning how best to continue to integrate AI into and across our system. “(AI) does have a huge potential for education, but it also raises some significant questions about critical thinking, environmental concerns, and media literacy, just to name a few,” Eggers said. “We don't have all of the answers, but we do know that AI has arrived and that we have a responsibility to teach students about AI, how AI works, and then also how they can leverage AI to support and enhance their learning.”
Using the same scale, committee members were asked to share which of the new initiatives were important to them. Committee members ranked the ideas at 3.9 or above, with the exception of piloting WiFi on buses, which was ranked 2.2.
Critical Repairs
Committee members also heard about how Critical Repairs funds are proposed to be used. These dollars are focused on addressing the most urgent facility needs to keep our schools and facilities warm, safe and dry. The staff proposal for using Critical Repairs funds does not include any dollars for new construction.
In 2024, all of our district buildings were assessed with help from third party consultants. Data from that assessment, along with results of a 2025 all-staff survey about critical needs, and feedback from our own maintenance staff were used to identify more than $100 million in needs across the district, staff said. Then, our Capital Projects and Operations teams prioritized that list and selected the highest-priority projects for the next four years. That narrowed list is estimated to cost about $55 million. The projects on the list align with the district’s Strategic Plan and also will protect safety and health, preserve building integrity, ensure learning spaces remain comfortable and functional, and demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
The projects include:
- Safety and Security:
- Construction of security vestibules at the three comprehensive high schools (Gibson Ek already has a vestibule).
- Replacement of aging life safety systems (fire alarm systems and intercom systems replacement).
- Roofing Improvements:
- Many school roofs are at or beyond their expected service life, increasing the risk of leaks, structural damage and learning disruptions.
- Full roof replacement at Maple Hills Elementary; partial replacement and repairs of some other roofs.
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); and Plumbing Improvements
- HVAC will be replaced, modernized or repaired. Upgrades to control software will allow more consistent temperatures and more efficient energy use. Increased cyber security of the HVAC software.
- Plumbing: Replace aging/ end-of-life hot water tanks.
- Sports Field Improvements
- Liberty, Issaquah, Skyline: replace softball infield turf and baseball infield turf. Replace softball outfield turf at Skyline.
- Replace stadium turf at Liberty and Skyline (Issaquah High was replaced more recently).
- Middle schools synthetic turf conditioning.
- Food Service Equipment
- Replace aging food service equipment districtwide (at locations where needed).
- Replaces food warmers, convection ovens, milk coolers, shelving, dishwashers, washer/dryer, salad bar, water softeners and ice machines.
- Miscellaneous Repairs such as theater lighting repairs and replacement, interior corridor wall repair where needed and more.
Using the same scale described above, committee members at the meeting rated each “category” of critical repairs. All categories rated above 4, except for the improvements to the sports fields, which rated 3.9.
The committee will reconvene at 6 p.m. on September 24 at the district Administration Building; the topic will be the Educational Programs and Operations Levy. All meetings are open to the public to observe.
Up next:
Committee members will return for the next meeting on September 24.
Additional Meeting Materials
September 24, 2025
Agenda
Agenda
Welcome and Recap
- Revisit our shared purpose
- Recap of previous meeting
Educational Programs and Operations Levy: Strategic Plan Connections
- Student Well-Being priority area
- Academic Opportunities priority area
- Organizational Effectiveness priority area
Table Exercise and Closeout
- Group table exercise
- Closeout and next steps
Mini Meeting Summary
The Educational Programs and Operations Levy, which represents about 17% of the district’s budget, was the focus of the third meeting of the 2026 Levy Advisory Committee on September 24.
The Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy is one of the district’s three current levy measures, which will expire unless they are renewed by voters. Nearly every school district in Washington state uses local levy dollars to cover the gap between the funding that the state and the federal government provide, and the true cost of school district operations.
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 tax rate. 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.
Our school district's three expiring levy measures, which were approved by voters in 2022, 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.
Students, parents and caregivers, staff members and community members from across the district are serving as volunteers on the committee, which is reviewing proposed funding options and providing feedback to the superintendent.
Before the September 24 meeting, committee members had the opportunity to hear from a panel of staff members about health services and mental health supports that the district funds using local levy dollars from the EP&O Levy.
Chief of Finance and Operations Martin Turney shared that the EP&O Levy supports three primary priority areas from the district’s Strategic Plan: Student Well-Being, Academic Opportunities and Organizational Effectiveness.
“Everything that we're going to talk about ties to those areas, and these are flexible by design,” Turney said.
Many of the programs and services that committee members heard about during the panel discussion have direct ties to the Student Well-Being priority area, such as nurses and mental health supports. Director of Health Services Laura Carmichael, Director of Counseling and Student Well-Being Noah Westerberg, Issaquah High School Principal Erin Connolly and Beaver Lake Middle School Principal Kathryn Coffin talked about how those services are critical to helping students access their education.
“The work that I'm most excited about is proactive work and trying to catch kids before they get into crisis,” Connolly said, noting that Westerberg and teams of counselors have been meeting with staff. “It's great for the day-to-day and also for the long term.”
Alaina Sivadasan, Executive Director of Equity, Belonging and Family Partnerships, shared about counseling and mental health supports including counselors from Swedish and Youth Eastside Services, which are funded in part by the EP&O Levy. “This is a critical need in our schools,” Sivadasan said. “In fact, when we talk to our caregivers and our families in our community, accessing mental health services is the number one requested need that our families share with us. This is something that is not (fully) funded by the state, but it is a number one need for our families.”
The district also pays for eight full-time equivalent (FTE) nursing and health room specialist positions above the state’s funding level. These positions support student health, safety, and chronic condition management; provide immediate response for illness, injury, and medical needs; and ensure compliance with state health requirements in schools.
Nurses will often help families access services to help students with a wide variety of needs such as glasses to sports physicals to life saving medications that allow students to access their education. “Nurses go above and beyond and persist in working to ensure the student can get to school,” said Laura Carmichael, Director of Health Services. “That student will usually never know how hard that nurse has worked to get them to school and that’s exactly how it should be."
Another way that levy dollars help support the Student Well-Being priority area is by supplementing state funding for Safety and Security officers, a district patrol position and a Director of Safety and Security. “This team provides daily campus safety checks. They respond to incidents. You never know what's going to happen,” said Jason Morse, Executive Director of Operations. “In a school district our size, they are on call and ready to respond, but they also do a tremendous amount of active work, helping with additional supervision, securing our campuses, checking perimeters daily, and really building our emergency response and our readiness.”
Other district programs and services that receive levy dollars and have direct ties to Student Well-Being include behavior supports, guidance counseling, Family Partnership and Equity work, VOICE Mentor Program, and clubs, sports and activities.
Academic Opportunities
The EP&O Levy also supports the Strategic Plan priority area of Academic Opportunities, by helping fund programs such as the 7-period day in our high schools, has helped pay for Summer School, and also for secondary interventions such as math labs, study skills, guided studies, supplemental literacy interventions. Other programs and services receiving EP&O funds that support Academic Opportunities for students include:
- Dual Language Program
- Gibson Ek High School
- Legally required but not fully funded Special Education services
- Materials, supplies and operating costs above state funding
Organizational Effectiveness
The third priority area of the Strategic Plan that local dollars from the EP&O Levy supports is Organizational Effectiveness. These include:
- Additional teachers and compensation above allocation levels to:
- Attract and retain high quality teachers
- Support smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention
- Offer more personalized instruction and support for students
- Expand course offerings and electives (e.g. 7-period high school day)
- Provide better support for diverse learner needs
- Additional teacher workdays to:
- Provide more time for curriculum planning and collaboration
- Strengthen professional development aligned to district initiatives
- Consistently implement instructional practices across schools
- Improve student outcomes through better-prepared teachers
- Sick leave buy-back
- Substitute teachers
- Substitute classified employees
- Custodial and maintenance employees
- Transportation operational costs
At the fourth levy committee meeting, members will review materials from the prior sessions, then provide their recommendations to the superintendent for each of the three current levy measures. All committee meetings are open to the public to observe. The meeting is from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30 at the district Administration Building. More information about the committee, including recaps of the first two meetings, is available on our website.
Up next:
Committee members will return for the next meeting on September 30.
Additional Meeting Materials
September 30, 2025
Agenda
Agenda
Welcome and Recap
- Revisit our shared purpose
- Recap of previous meeting
- School funding review
Content Review and Recommendations
- Review of content from previous meetings, including Menti results
- Provide recommendation on each levy proposal
- Final levy package recommendation
Closeout
- Closeout and next steps
Mini Meeting Summary
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.
Up next:
Committee members will return for the final meeting on October 7.
Additional Meeting Materials
October 7, 2025
Agenda
Welcome
- Land Acknowledgement
- Purpose and parameters
- Recap of levy packages, funding and budget
Regulations and Ballot Trends
- PDC guidelines
- Research and perceptions from Washington state
Framing the Broader Context
- Connecting levy renewal proposal to broader themes
- Review and discuss perceptions, sentiment and risks
Break and Group Discussion
Key Messages and Engagement
- Review message concepts
- Group exercise and share-out
Closeout and Committee Comments
- Thank you and exit survey
- Committee members share final thoughts
Meeting Summary
Last week Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick recommended the School Board consider asking voters to renew the district’s three existing local levy measures, which will expire next year. These levies provide 16.6% of the district’s annual operating funds – about $70 million per year – along with significant technology, critical repairs and transportation dollars. Without this funding, the district would need to make difficult reductions across the district.
Tow-Yick's proposal included the full recommendation of the 2026 Levy Advisory Committee, a group including students, parents, staff and community members from across the school district. “There was a really great diverse group of voices, and everyone engaged in thoughtful ways, provided sound feedback throughout, and not everyone agreed on everything,” she said, noting that the consensus model offered the committee members the opportunity to give constructive feedback on the proposals. “Our students on the committee were amazing. They contributed and were valued by their adult peers. ... I thought the process was a good one. I trust it and I stand by it."
Board members voted unanimously to approve placing the levy renewal measures before voters in February. In Washington state, levy measures require a simple majority for approval (50% plus one vote). The measures are designed to cover the gap between the funding provided by the state and federal government, and the true cost of operating our district. They include:
Renewal Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy
This four-year levy represents about 16.6% of the district’s annual budget. It helps fund necessary student services, opportunities and safety beyond state and federal funding. The Levy Advisory Committee recommends that the district consider expanding student well-being supports and broadening academic opportunities. It would fund or help fund:
- Staff and programs that support student well-being, including counseling, nursing, behavior supports, security, VOICE Mentors, equity programs, athletics, activities and programs that directly impact student safety, health and belonging.
- Academic opportunities such as the 7-period high school day, individual learning supports, dual language programs including Spanish and Mandarin, Gibson Ek and Special Education. These programs help fill state funding gaps and support our students in reaching graduation and being ready for life after high school.
- Day-to-day Operations to support organizational effectiveness: Local levy dollars fund staffing and operations (teachers, substitutes, custodians, maintenance and transportation positions) that help sustain daily operations, manageable class sizes and more.
Renewal Capital Levy (Technology and Critical Repairs)
This four-year levy delivers up-to-date classroom technology, applications, device support, data security and network infrastructure. It also addresses urgent safety needs and prioritizes the highest-impact repairs to buildings and systems.
The Technology funds would:
- Continue the district-managed 1:1 laptop program to ensure every student has the same access to technology
- Expand investments in cybersecurity
- Provide for new initiatives such as a crisis alert safety program; device upgrades and modernization; learning about the responsible use of AI for education; secure data warehouse to improve real-time analysis and strategy
The Critical Repairs dollars would fund:
- Repairs to roofing, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, Safety and Security and Food Service equipment updates
- Sports field updates and the installation of secure entrance vestibules at our three comprehensive high schools
Renewal Transportation Levy
This one-year levy advances safe, sustainable and reliable transportation while managing maintenance costs through fleet modernization. The proposal includes expanding the district’s pilot program for electric buses, and adding charging infrastructure. It would:
- Continue to purchase and phase in new diesel buses to replace aging buses, while also expanding the district’s electric bus pilot program. The pilot is starting this fall, with three electric buses purchased using grant funding.
Input from committee members was used to shape and refine the levy proposals and included student perspective. A panel of middle and high school students spoke about the classes, supports and experiences that they have found most meaningful. Many of those positions and programs are funded fully or in part by local levy dollars. “Student input on this committee was very good,” Chief of Finance and Operations Martin Turney said. “It was extremely valuable.
District staff and committee members used these parameters to guide their discussion and decision-making, aiming to keep the total combined tax rate for Issaquah School District stable at the estimated 2026 rate of $3.09 per $1,000 assessed property value. The total combined tax rate includes the district’s existing bond debt as well as the levy measures.
Through committee feedback and public perception studies, the district heard clearly that many residents are feeling the impact of rising costs and increasing tax sensitivity. At the same time, the state continues to underfund key aspects of K-12 education, requiring local communities to renew levies to maintain programs and services. In response, the district kept the overall tax rate stable and did not seek the estimated full levy authority allowed by law. For example, the EP&O Levy as proposed is approximately 5.1% below the estimated maximum authority, reducing the rate by about $.05–$.08 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Similarly, while facility repair needs total about $120 million, the district prioritized $55 million in critical repairs over the next four years.
Please stay tuned as we will continue to share facts and information about the levy proposals between now and Election Day on February 10. Throughout the fall and winter, we’ll be sharing information through the district’s communication channels and at in-person and virtual events.
Anyone with questions about the levy proposals may reach out to our Finance and Communications teams at Issaquah2026Levies@issaquah.wednet.edu.
Additional Meeting Materials
2026 Levy Advisory Committee Meeting 5 Presentation
Educational Programs and Operations Levy:
- Translatable and accessible version: see below.
- Levy Advisory Committee Final Recommendation for Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Capital Levy:
- Translatable and accessible version: see below.
- Levy Advisory Committee Final Recommendation for the 2026 Critical Repairs component
- Levy Advisory Committee Final Recommendation for the 2026 Technology component
Transportation Levy:
- Translatable and accessible version: see below
- Levy Advisory Committee Final Recommendation for the 2026 Transportation Levy
Educational Programs and Operations
2026 Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Levy Advisory Committee: Final Recommendation
September 30, 2025
Background
The Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy provides funding for essential programs and services not fully supported by state or federal resources. These include classroom staffing, student well-being supports, academic enrichment opportunities, and operational costs that sustain safe, secure and effective schools.
State funding formulas cover only a portion of the cost of providing a high-quality education. Local levies fill these gaps, supporting critical services such as nurses, mental health counselors, behavior specialists, custodial and maintenance staff, and extracurricular activities. The EP&O Levy ensures students continue to benefit from the programs, staffing, and opportunities expected by the Issaquah community.
The 2026 EP&O proposal is a four-year renewal (2027–2030) structured below full legal authority to maintain tax rate stability while sustaining essential services and allowing for limited flexibility to adapt programs over time. This approach aligns with district priorities and maintains a combined local tax rate near $3.17 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Committee Process and Feedback
The Levy Advisory Committee reviewed the EP&O Levy proposal, using discussion, polling, and small-group exercises to evaluate alignment with community priorities. Committee members affirmed the levy’s focus on sustaining essential student services and programs not fully funded by the state.
- Strong consensus that student well-being services such as mental health counseling, nursing, behavior supports, security, and VOICE mentors are vital to student safety and belonging.
- High support for academic opportunities funded by the levy, including the 7-period high school day, summer school, dual language programs, Gibson Ek High School, and special education services.
- Agreement that staffing and operations funded under Organizational Effectiveness (teachers, substitutes, custodians, maintenance, and transportation) are essential to daily school operations.
- Polling identified Mental Health Counseling and MTSS/Behavior Supports as top expansion priorities if new capacity becomes available.
- Early Learning, Safety & Security staffing, and Dual Language expansion also received positive support.
Rationale
The EP&O Levy represents the district’s commitment to maintaining programs that directly impact student success, safety, and well-being. It fills gaps left by inadequate state funding while preserving manageable class sizes, reliable operations, and high-quality academic opportunities. The levy remains below full legal authority, providing capacity for measured program growth without exceeding tax rate parameters.
This approach reflects fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment with the district’s long-term goals, ensuring that resources remain available for people and programs that make a daily difference for students.
Committee Recommendation
The Levy Advisory Committee recommends including the Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy in the February 2026 ballot package, structured as follows:
- Four-year levy (2027–2030) at approximately $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed valuation within the combined local tax rate.
- Sustains funding for Student Well-Being, Academic Opportunities, and Organizational Effectiveness categories.
- Maintains flexibility to adjust programs as needs evolve while preserving core services and staffing.
- Provides capacity for up to $2 million in future expansion aligned with top-rated priorities (Mental Health Counseling, MTSS/Behavior Supports, Early Learning, Dual Language Expansion, and Safety/Security).
- Balances program stability with taxpayer accountability and transparency.
Levy Amounts and Estimated Tax Rates
Proposed Total Funding Amounts, in $1,000s
| Year | EP&O Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 75,200 |
| 2028 | 78,200 |
| 2029 | 81,000 |
| 2030 | 82,800 |
Estimated Resulting Tax Rates per $1,000 assessed property value
| Year | EP&O Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 1.28 |
| 2028 | 1.27 |
| 2029 | 1.25 |
| 2030 | 1.22 |
Closing Statement
The Levy Advisory Committee concludes that the Educational Programs and Operations Levy is an essential component of the February 2026 ballot package. This measure sustains the programs, people, and services that ensure Issaquah students have access to high-quality learning opportunities and support every day. The committee finds the proposal fiscally responsible and responsive to community priorities, recommending it be forwarded to the Superintendent and Board of Directors for inclusion on the February 2026 ballot.
Critical Repairs
2026 Critical Repairs (Capital Levy)
Levy Advisory Committee: Final Recommendation
September 30, 2025
Background
The Issaquah School District’s capital projects and facilities team identified more than $100 million in districtwide critical facility needs by overseeing a 2024 Facilities Assessment, conducting staff surveys, and gathering maintenance department input. This list was scaled to a $55 million, four-year Critical Repairs Levy consisting of the most critically needed items over the next four-year period.
This levy is focused solely on repair and maintenance of existing schools and does not include any allocation for new construction. It is designed to address high-priority safety, health, and infrastructure needs while preserving taxpayer trust.
Committee Process and Feedback
The Levy Advisory Committee reviewed the Critical Repairs proposal, using discussions, group exercises, and polling to provide feedback. Overall, the committee expressed strong support for the proposal’s focus on essential facility systems, fiscal responsibility, and clear communication with the community.
- Roofing, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Safety & Security, Food Service: Committee noted as essential for safe and functional schools; received the strongest support.
- Sports Fields and Vestibules: Members recognized community value and long-term savings, with some curiosity about cost and relative priority.
- Project Management and Miscellaneous Repairs: Feedback supported this area as important for accountability, flexibility, and addressing smaller-scale needs.
- Overall: Committee feedback reflected confidence that the proposal is thorough and fiscally responsible, covering the right priorities and providing a clear plan for maintaining safe, operational schools and protecting critical infrastructure.
Rationale
The Critical Repairs Levy addresses urgent facility needs in a fiscally responsible, transparent package.
- Preserves safety, health, and building integrity by replacing aging systems before failure.
- Supports equity by distributing repairs across schools districtwide.
- Provides community benefit through safe fields, secure entries, and food service equipment.
- Differentiates clearly from new construction, maintaining public trust.
- Keeps the combined tax rate stable at ~$3.17 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Committee Recommendation
The Levy Advisory Committee recommends including the Critical Repairs Levy in the February 2026 ballot package, structured as follows:
- Four-year levy (2027–2030) totaling $55M (~$0.20–$0.24 per $1,000 assessed valuation, depending on year).
- Funds essential repairs and replacements that maintain safety, functionality, and asset preservation across all schools.
- Prioritizes Roofing, HVAC, Safety and Security, and Food Service Equipment—the highest-rated categories in committee feedback.
- Includes Project Management and Miscellaneous Repairs to ensure efficient oversight and flexibility.
- Maintains transparency through building-level project detail and equitable distribution across all regions (see Appendix A).
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Roofing Improvements | $15.2 million |
| HVAC / Plumbing | $12.4 million |
| Safety and Security Improvements | $12 million |
| Sports Fields Improvements | $11.2 million |
| Project Management | $2 million |
| Miscellaneous Repairs and Improvements | $1.7 million |
| Food Service Equipment | $0.5 million |
| Grand Total | $55 million |
Levy Amounts and Estimated Tax Rates
Proposed funding amounts in $1,000s
| Year | Critical Repairs Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 14,303 |
| 2028 | 12,427 |
| 2029 | 13,335 |
| 2030 | 14,536 |
Estimated Resulting Tax Rates per $1,000 assessed property value
| Year | Critical Repairs Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $0.24 |
| 2028 | $0.20 |
| 2029 | $0.21 |
| 2030 | $0.21 |
Closing Statement
The Levy Advisory Committee concluded that the Critical Repairs Levy is an essential component of the February 2026 ballot package. This measure provides a responsible, clearly prioritized plan to maintain safe, functional, and sustainable learning environments across the district. By maintaining the combined tax rate at approximately $3.17 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, the recommendation balances facility preservation with fiscal stewardship. The Committee strongly recommends forwarding this Critical Repairs Levy to the Superintendent and Board of Directors for inclusion on the February 2026 ballot.
Appendix A – Critical Repairs Project Totals by Feeder Pattern

- Districtwide includes Gibson Ek High School improvements
- Issaquah High School field turf was recently replaced, while Liberty and Skyline include investment in stadium field turf
- Roof repair and replacement investments are greater for schools in the Liberty and Skyline feeder pattern based on age of facilities
Appendix B – 2026 Critical Repairs Levy Projects by Site
Please see PDF version above. If you need this information translated or assistance accessing it, please reach out to our team at isdcommunications@issaquah.wednet.edu.
Appendix C – 2026 Critical Repairs Levy Projects by Type of Work
Please see PDF version above. If you need this information translated or assistance accessing it, please reach out to our team at isdcommunications@issaquah.wednet.edu.
Technology
2026 Technology (Capital Levy)
Levy Advisory Committee: Final Recommendation
September 30, 2025
Background
The Issaquah School District relies on local levy funding to provide modern technology tools, infrastructure, and support for students and staff. State and federal funding do not cover the costs of 1:1 devices, classroom instructional technology, professional development, or cybersecurity protections.
The district’s current levy sustains a universal 1:1 program for grades 3–12, provides staff laptops and shared K–2 devices, and funds technology infrastructure. The 2026 renewal continues these core investments while expanding capacity in innovation, safety, and digital equity.
Committee Process and Feedback
- The committee conducted a full review of the Technology Levy covering the current levy investments (1:1 devices, infrastructure, software, and professional development) and new initiatives under consideration: AI for Education, Data Warehouse, WiFi on Buses, Crisis Alert Safety Platform, Digital Security Testing/Training, and Device Modernization.
- Table exercises and polling asked members to compare the district-provided 1:1 device model against a hybrid bring-your-own-device (BYOD) option and to rank the importance of the new initiatives.
- Members raised questions about reliability, equity, and cybersecurity when comparing 1:1 to BYOD. They also asked how emerging tools like AI and crisis alert systems would be introduced and sustained.
Feedback
- 1:1 Device Program: District-provided devices received much stronger support than BYOD, reflecting concerns about equity, consistency, and instructional time.
- High Priorities: Device modernization, digital security testing/training, and a centralized data warehouse received the highest ratings and were viewed as critical to sustaining reliability and protecting student data.
- Moderate Priorities: AI for Education and the Crisis Alert Safety Platform were positively received but ranked lower, with members noting the need for phased, thoughtful rollout.
- Lowest Priority: WiFi on Buses ranked lowest, with members recommending those funds be redirected to higher-impact technology needs such as device upgrades.
Rationale
The Technology Levy advances the district’s Strategic Plan priorities by:
- Ensuring equitable access to devices and digital learning resources.
- Providing secure and reliable infrastructure to support instruction and operations.
- Building staff capacity through professional development and emerging tools.
- Strengthening student safety with crisis communication platforms and cybersecurity.
- Maintaining the combined tax rate at ~$3.17 per $1,000 of assessed valuation while investing in future-ready learning.
Committee Recommendation
The Levy Advisory Committee recommends including a Technology Levy in the February 2026 ballot package, structured as:
- Four-year levy (2027–2030) at approximately $24.9–$26.7 million annually (~$0.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value).
- Core Investments:
- Sustain district-provided 1:1 devices (grades 3–12, staff laptops, shared devices in grades K–2).
- Maintain instructional technology infrastructure, software, and professional development.
- Expand cybersecurity through annual testing, training, and advanced threat detection.
- Refined New Initiatives:
- AI for Education
Secure, district-managed instructional tools and training. - Data Warehouse
Centralized platform for real-time instructional and operational analytics. - Crisis Alert Safety Platform
Districtwide communication system for emergencies. - Device Modernization
Prioritized to ensure reliability and instructional alignment.
- AI for Education
Levy Amounts and Estimated Tax Rates
Recommended funding amounts in $1,000s
| Year | Technology Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 24,866 |
| 2028 | 25,379 |
| 2029 | 26,006 |
| 2030 | 26,658 |
Estimated Resulting Tax Rates per $1,000 assessed property value
| Year | Technology Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $0.43 |
| 2028 | $0.41 |
| 2029 | $0.40 |
| 2030 | $0.40 |
Closing Statement
The Levy Advisory Committee concludes that the Technology Levy is an essential renewal measure for the 2026 ballot. It provides students and staff with reliable access to devices, maintains modern infrastructure, expands cybersecurity protections, and introduces carefully selected innovations aligned with district priorities.
By keeping the combined local tax rate stable at ~$3.17 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, the proposal balances equity, innovation, and fiscal responsibility. The Committee strongly recommends forwarding this Technology Levy to the Superintendent and Board of Directors for inclusion on the February 2026 ballot.
Appendix A – Current Operations

Appendix B – New Initiatives
|
Description |
2027-28 |
2028-29 |
2029-30 |
2030-31 |
Importance |
|
MS Co-pilot licenses for staff |
$93,000 |
$155,000 |
$160,000 |
$170,000 |
High |
|
AI licenses for Teachers and Students |
$157,500 |
$165,375 |
$173,644 |
$182,326 |
High |
|
Used for testing and educating staff on digital security (phishing, Ransomware) |
$78,750 |
$82,688 |
$86,822 |
$91,163 |
Critical |
|
The development of a data warehouse and visualizations |
$250,000 |
$262,500 |
$275,625 |
$289,406 |
Medium |
|
We will evaluate and modernize the devices used by students and staff, ensuring they support current and emerging instructional and operational needs. |
$735,000 |
$585,000 |
$585,000 |
$585,000 |
Medium |
|
Support the exploration, piloting, and integration of emerging digital tools and curriculum to enhance teaching and learning across all grade levels. |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
Medium |
|
$1,564,250 |
$1,500,563 |
$1,531,091 |
$1,567,895 |
Transportation
2026 Transportation Levy
Levy Advisory Committee: Final Recommendation
September 30, 2025
Background
The Issaquah School District operates a fleet of more than 170 buses, transporting over 9,500 students daily across 110 square miles. While the state provides partial depreciation funding for diesel buses, it does not cover the higher up-front costs of electric buses or the installation of charging infrastructure.
In July 2025, ISD launched its first electric bus pilot, which confirmed benefits in sustainability and lower long-term maintenance costs, but also underscored the significant up-front investment required. A dedicated Transportation Levy allows the district to modernize its fleet, expand electrification, and maintain reliable service for students.
Committee Process and Feedback
- Meeting discussions reflected broad support for including a Transportation Levy, with strong interest in electric bus expansion and charging infrastructure.
- Feedback emphasized the importance of piloting buses across the district rather than in a single region, to evaluate performance in different terrains and conditions.
- Members supported balancing diesel and electric purchases to maintain reliability while preparing for a long-term majority-electric fleet.
Rationale
This approach maintains student transportation reliability while advancing the district’s sustainability goals and aligning with OE-17: Sustainability. The levy funds critical infrastructure to expand the electric bus program while remaining within the total combined tax rate parameter of ~$3.17 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Committee Recommendation
The Levy Advisory Committee recommends including a Transportation Levy in the February 2026 ballot package, structured as:
- One-year levy (2027 collection) totaling $2 million (~$0.03 per $1,000 assessed property value).
- Funds a balanced bus replacement plan and expanded electrification efforts.
- Supports the purchase of 61 buses (44 diesel, 17 electric) over the 2025–2030 cycle.
- Expands charging capacity at the Plateau Transportation Facility and installs infrastructure at the Main facility.
- Pilots electric bus routes across the district to evaluate performance.
Levy Amounts and Estimated Tax Rates
Recommended funding amounts in $1,000s
| Year | Transportation Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 2,000 |
| 2028 | -- |
| 2029 | -- |
| 2030 | -- |
Estimated Resulting Tax Rates per $1,000 assessed property value
| Year | Transportation Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $0.03 |
| 2028 | -- |
| 2029 | -- |
| 2030 | -- |
Closing Statement
The Levy Advisory Committee concludes that the Transportation Levy is an essential component of the February 2026 ballot package. This measure provides a fiscally responsible plan to replace aging buses, expand electric bus adoption, and build the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable fleet transition.
By maintaining the combined tax rate at approximately $3.17 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the recommendation balances reliability, innovation, and fiscal stewardship. The Committee strongly recommends forwarding this Transportation Levy to the Superintendent and Board of Directors for inclusion on the February 2026 ballot, ensuring safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible student transportation for years to come.
Appendix A
