Capital Projects

The Capital Projects Department manages land acquisition, planning and design, bidding, construction, modernization and renovation of schools and District facilities.

In 1990, student enrollment was 8,600. The District had just three high schools, three middle schools and seven elementary schools. By 2002, enrollment had climbed to 14,500. Today nearly 18,500 students attend four high schools, six expanded middle schools, and 16 elementary schools. Over the last 10 years, Capital Projects has successfully managed approximately $325 million in projects and our schools and support service centers are modern, efficient, cost effective, and equitable district-wide.

A variety of sustainable strategies have been used to enhance the learning environment while reducing maintenance and operational costs. Since 2001, new construction has increased the total District building space 36.2% while energy usage has decreased 2%.

Capital Projects Oversight Committee

To increase transparency, accountability, and effective management of the district’s capital projects, the Capital Projects Oversight Committee provides independent review and evaluation of voter-approved bond and capital levy funds.

Comprised of experts in finance, construction, and project management, the committee oversees expenditures, tracks progress, and builds public trust through regular updates.

Capital Projects Oversight Committee

Capital Facilities Plan

New High School

District Adjusts New High School Plan to Increase Options, Ease Overcrowding

The Issaquah School District is moving ahead with a plan to build a smaller, cost-effective portion of the original high school design. The project will use approximately

$146 million in available funds from past voter-approved measures in 2016 and 2022, as well as other sources such as state School Assistance Program funds and interest earnings.

How We Got Here

In 2016, voters approved a bond to purchase land for a fourth comprehensive high school. Legal challenges and land-use appeals delayed the project for years, during which time the cost to build a new high school rose significantly. By the time the district acquired the property in 2020, projected costs had grown from $120 million to nearly $200 million.

The district attempted to pass bonds in 2024 and 2025 to fund and offset rising project costs that now reached $292 million. Both measures fell short of the 60 percent supermajority required by state law.

A Plan with Future Flexibility

Rather than seek another bond or risk future replacement levies 2026, the district is using available funds to build a smaller high school that will reduce current and projected overcrowding. This scaled-down project still meets previously approved land-use and permit requirements approved by the City of Issaquah.

District staff proposed a construction plan that will help relieve overcrowding at Issaquah and Skyline high schools, while keeping future expansion options open. The current design includes:

A 74,000-square-foot west wing with 23 classrooms
Capacity for about 650 students
A parking garage and multi-purpose athletic field with lights and a track
Road improvements along 228th Avenue Southeast and internal roads
Existing buffers, utilities and stormwater systems preserved
Continued accommodations for the neighboring Providence Point community

The Issaquah School Board approved this plan in April 2025. Board members emphasized that the school should reflect the evolving needs of students and the workforce, with flexible learning spaces and opportunities to serve students and families into the future. The field and school facilities will also be available for community use by the cities of Issaquah, Sammamish and nearby municipalities.

What’s Next

Construction is expected to begin in March 2026 and the school is expected to be ready for students in the Fall of 2027. The district has submitted a permit extension request to the City of Issaquah, and will begin a community engagement process to help shape academic programs and offerings for the new school.

Community input will continue to play a key role in shaping the vision for this campus and the students it will serve. More engagement opportunities will be shared soon.

2022 Levy

Holly Street Creek Bank Repairs

In Spring 2020 the rising waters of Issaquah Creek eroded a portion of the creek bank and undermining of the Parking lot at the Holly Street Campus site.

Holly Street ELC Playground

The project is into the City of Issaquah for permit review. Construction activities expected to start in the Spring of 2023 and be open for the 2023 - 24 school year.

Safety & Security - District Wide

Roof Repairs & Replacements - District Wide

Portables - District Wide

ADA Accommodations - District Wide

HVAC Repairs & Replacements - District Wide

Student Furniture - District Wide

Land for Future Early Learning Center

Land for Expansion of Transportation

High School Vestibules

Fire System Replacement/Upgrades

HB-1257/Clean Building Standard

2022 Levy Status

First page of the PDF file: Levy2022_Status_10-31-24Update

2018 Levy

Playground Rubber Matting

Painting Projects - District Wide

Walk Off Mats

BLMS - Fire Alarm Replacement

Issaquah Valley ES - Misc. Repairs

Maple Hills ES - DAS Install

Roof Repairs - District Wide

Discovery - Heat Pump Replacement

Endeavour - Heat Pump Replacement

MHES - Fire Alarm Replacement

Classroom Furniture Replacement

Paving Repair – District Wide

Grand Ridge ES Floor & Wall Repairs

Transportation Shop A/C

Satellite Transportation Center – Office Remodel

Briarwood ES Gutter Repairs

Cascade Ridge ES Wall Coverings

Challenger ES Misc. Repairs

Newcastle ES HVAC Recommission

Discovery ES – Misc. Repairs

Endeavour ES – Misc. Repairs

Sunset ES – Misc. Repairs

2018 Levy Status

First page of the PDF file: Levy2018_Status_10-31-24Update

2016 Bond Projects

Thanks to the generous support of Issaquah School District residents, the 2016 School Construction and Maintenance Bond provided a $533 million investment in the future of Issaquah School District students, teachers and families.

Design & Planning

High School #4 — New High School

The New High School is currently on hold until additional funding can be obtained.

Elementary School #17

New Elementary #17 continues to be in the planning and land use permitting process. Please see ISD press release dated 11/24/21 for more information related to the delay of construction of E-17.

Complete

View of front entrance of Pine Lake Middle School with field in back — Pine Lake Middle School Rebuild

Originally built in 1974, construction on the new Pine Lake Middle School was complete in September 2018, providing a new learning environment with updated technology and energy efficient operations.

Cougar Ridge Elementary School Expansion & Remodel

Expansion project at Cougar Ridge improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.

Front of New Issaquah School District Admin building — Central 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.

View of new classroom wing at Endeavour — Endeavour Elementary School Expansion & Remodel

Expansion project at Endeavour improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.

View of new classroom wing at Discovery — Discovery Elementary School Expansion & Remodel

Expansion project at Discovery improved safety and security and increased permanent capacity to accommodate growing school population.

Photo of the new wing at Sunset Elementary — Sunset Elementary School Expansion

Expansion project at Sunset increased permanent capacity due to anticipated enrollment growth.

Cougar Mountain Middle School

The new middle school (formerly known as Middle School #6) is scheduled to open in early 2022 and will serve 850 students in grades 6-8. The 130,000-square-foot building will help reduce student populations at five existing middle schools and meet the District's needs into the future.

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.

Photo of the completed exterior painting at Maple Hills Elementary — Maple Hills Elementary School Renovation

The Maple Hills Expansion/Remodel project includes HVAC improvements, upgraded finishes, and adding office & classroom space within the existing building. An earlier office remodel was completed in 2016 to improve safety and security. Bus and vehicle drop-off areas were reconfigured to enhance safety and traffic flow prior to the 2017 school year.

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.

2012 Bond Projects

Thanks to the generous support of Issaquah School District residents, the 2012 School Construction and Maintenance Bond provided a $219 million investment in the future of Issaquah School District students, teachers and families.

Complete

View of front entrance plaza at Liberty High — 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.

Front entrance view of Sunny Hills — 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.

View of new Clark classroom wing — 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.

Photo of new press box at issaquah highschool — Issaquah High School Stadium Improvements

Renovation and expansion of the press box and visitor side seating at Issaquah HS stadium.

Other Funding Source Projects

Holly Street Early Learning Center

The project includes improvements to the Holly Street Building (old Admin Bldg) to accommodate new ECAEP & ECE classrooms, the Child Find Program, a Health Room to serve the campus, among other amenities. The BASC Program will also be housed in this newly remodeled facility.

IHS Stadium Light Replacement

Small Works Roster

Public works projects with an estimated cost of $350,000 or less may use the Small Works Process. To be eligible for projects through the Small Works Process with the Issaquah School District, vendors will need to register with the Municipal Research and Service Center (MRSC) Small Works Rosters and select Issaquah School District as the public agency (MRSC Application Process).

Registering with MRSC for the FREE Membership allows the vendor to select up to 9 public agency rosters.

To register as a business on MSRC click on “Businesses”, under Application Information click on: “Sign Up Here” and then click on “Create Your Account or Get Started” and follow the instructions to register. Select the Public Agency: Issaquah School District No 411.

If a business is already registered with MSRC, then select Issaquah School District No 411 within that account. For registration questions, please contact MRSC Rosters at mrscrosters@mrsc.org or 206-436-3798. If you have questions about Issaquah School District projects, contact the Capital Projects Department directly at rossend@issaquah.wednet.edu or 425-837-7040.

Illustration of the Liberty High School Performing Arts Building — *Illustration of Liberty High School Performing Arts Building by Kendall Lum, former Issaquah School District ACT student*

Water Quality Standards and Testing Procedures

The Issaquah School District contracted with PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc., to perform its routine water safety testing in 2018. The facilities and sites tested included all 15 elementary schools, all five middle schools, and all four high schools in addition to the administration building and three operational complexes. None of the facilities were found to have systemic or facility-wide lead contamination in the drinking water.

The EPA has set an action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in a one liter sample in public water systems. In order to distinguish between a problem at the source and a problem within a specific building, i.e. the pipes, fixture, or other components like solder, the EPA has set the individual action level at 20 ppb for a 250 ml sample. However, the ISD has historically taken action when results come back over 15 ppb for a 250 ml sample and used this threshold again in our latest round of testing.

Individual fixtures at some facilities were found to exceed the EPA recommended action level of less than 20 parts per billion (ppb) lead, indicating localized contamination. The typical cause of lead contamination at the Issaquah School District facilities appeared to be lead-containing fixtures, lead-containing (brass) fittings, and/or lead-containing pipe joint solder.

All potential drinking water sources were tested, including every drinking fountain, sink, ice machines, hose bib, bathroom sinks, staff and all classroom sinks, kitchen prep faucets, water bottle stations, instant hot water faucets, and hose bibs where an athlete might fill their water bottle as well as emergency showers and locker room showers.

Sinks labeled “non-potable” indicating the water is not suitable for drinking, custodial closet sinks, dedicated dish washing equipment and sinks, and specialized hand washing areas not affiliated with food preparation were not tested.

Building by building results are available below. (Note, Cedar Trails Elementary and Cougar Mountain Middle School were constructed after this report was completed). To view the report in its entirety, please use this link to access the full report document.

Questions?

Contact:

Tom Mullins
mullinst@issaquah.wednet.edu
425-837-7038

Julius Carter
carterj@issaquah.wednet.edu
425-837-5051

Full Report PDF