FOCUS Newsletter - Fall 2025
FOCUS: Every ISD Student. Every Day. Spring 2025
- Superintendent Message
- Vision, Mission, Our School Board
- Career Kickstart
- Accountability Report
- Built on Community
- Profile of a Graduate
- ISD Online Learning
- Levy Funds, Land Acknowledgement, School Board, More
Superintendent Message
At the heart of our work is a clear purpose: ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive and is prepared for the future. We are proud of our district’s performance and the partnership with families and the community, highlighted by student achievement, future-focused priorities and responsible stewardship.
Strong Schools, Strong Community: Why Student Achievement Matters
2024–25 State assessments show ISD students performing among the best in Washington, with math and English Language Arts scores improving in nearly every grade. Thirteen schools were honored for closing gaps and improving growth and 37 ISD seniors were recently named National Merit semifinalists.
Future-Focused Priorities: Preparing Every Student for Success
We are building a “Profile of a Graduate” to define the skills students need using research and input from the School Board, recent graduates and the community. We are strengthening instructional and inclusion frameworks and collaborating with teachers to meet the needs of all learners. This spring, we will co-host Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools convening to explore strategies for student engagement, educator capacity and school systems.
Bridging the State Funding Gap: February 2026 Renewal Levies
State funding does not cover all services and programs, making community support through the February 2026 renewal levies essential. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy accounts for 16.6% of the budget. The Capital Levy helps maintain and upgrade technology, and funds critical building repairs, while the Transportation Levy keeps our bus fleet safe and up to date.
Community Engagement and Trust: Transparency in Action
This fall, we have hosted multiple Levy Advisory Committee meetings to gather feedback and continue to provide additional opportunities to learn about our work through the Capital Facilities Plan, Capital Projects Oversight Committee and Annual Budget Guide. We remain committed to transparency, providing accurate information and maintaining community trust in how resources are used.
These highlights represent important work and serious commitments, but amid it all, I continue to see that joy in learning remains at the center of our schools. Thank you to our staff, families, volunteers and community partners for supporting students every step of the way.
In partnership,
Heather Tow-Yick
Superintendent
Vision, Mission, Our School Board
Vision
All students thrive as they engage in meaningful learning that unlocks their passion and potential to positively impact the world.
Mission
Our students will be prepared for and eager to accept the academic, occupational, personal and practical challenges of life in a dynamic global environment.
From left: Director Dr. Harlan Gallinger, Director Sydne Mullings, Director Matt Coyne, School Board President Marnie Maraldo and Director A.J. Taylor.
Career Kickstart
Students Gain Career Capital Through New Program: “Career Kickstart”
This summer, the district introduced the Career Kickstart program, an eight-day pilot designed to give high school students a direct look at life after graduation. The program was created to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experiences, helping students explore potential careers in a meaningful and hands-on way.
Students spent the week in workplaces across the region, shadowing professionals, creating and updating résumés, practicing interview skills, and hearing firsthand what it takes to thrive in today’s careers.
One highlight was a panel discussion with recent Issaquah School District (ISD) alumni who shared insights about the transition from high school to college and work. Students were able to connect with these relatable alumni and ask questions they had about work and life after college, as well as how to plan to get there.
The program was made possible through the support of the Issaquah Schools Foundation, SanMar and more than 100 community volunteers who welcomed students into their workplaces and shared their expertise. Their involvement helped turn Career Kickstart into a powerful first step in connecting classroom learning with the real world.
Building on the success of this pilot, the district is eager to continue finding ways to give students opportunities. Our goal is to ensure students are prepared for whatever path they choose after high school.
When the district engaged the community to co-create its Strategic Plan three years ago, focus groups said equity WAS a priority. Today, Roy supports student and staff groups such as Black Student Unions, Building Equity Leads, and regional affinity groups including the district’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group and the Educators of Color Leadership Community.
“Kids have to try so hard — not just here, but all over — to assimilate to the dominant culture,” Roy said. “It’s nice for the kids and the adults to be in an affinity space where they can just breathe and let their true selves shine.”
Accountability Report
Student Success, Budget and Facilities
Student Success
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently released results from the 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessments. Issaquah School District students once again performed among the very best in Washington and remained competitive with the top systems in the country. District math and English Language Arts (ELA) scores showed improvement in nearly every grade level in both math and ELA. These outcomes reflect the impact of our strengthened instructional frameworks, the commitment of our educators and the resilience of our students. Results match pre-pandemic levels and include encouraging gains for students who faced barriers. OSPI will release other district and achievement data throughout the school year including graduation rates, enrollment, finance, 9th grade on track, disability education and more.
Budget
The School Board approved the 2025-26 budget at its August 21 meeting, after hosting a public hearing on August 7. Also at the August 7 meeting, our Finance and Operations leadership shared an extensive presentation about the district’s enrollment, funding sources, expenditures and outlook. The meeting is available to watch on our YouTube Channel. The district’s three primary sources of revenue are from the state of Washington (67.8%); local levy funding (16.6%); and local fees, tuition and gifts (9.4%). Each of the district’s three current levy measures will expire if not renewed by voters in 2026. We invite you to learn more about our budget and offer feedback as we begin to prepare the 2026-27 budget.
Capital Projects
Thanks to voter-approved Capital Projects funding, all 2018 levy projects are complete or substantially complete, with the exception of two HVAC projects. Work on 2022 levy projects continues and will help cover critical repairs needs that arise between now and the end of our current four-year levy cycle in 2026. We are excited to move forward on the New High School project, which is anticipated to open in August of 2027. The New High School will help relieve overcrowding at the high school level. As with other levy- and bond-funded work, our Capital Projects Oversight Committee will help review the project as it proceeds, to help ensure transparency, accountability and effective management. Please stay tuned for our regular Capital Projects updates at School Board meetings and on our website.
Built on Community
Powered by Volunteers
Success is Earned, Together.
Our schools thrive because of you. Community members play an essential role in guiding our district’s work through the Levy Advisory Committee, Capital Projects Oversight Committee, Language Access Advisory Committee and more. Each of these groups helps ensure that decisions reflect the voices and values of our community. These and other groups provide input ranging from curriculum to finance, family advisory, special education and technology.
Beyond these advisory groups, the generosity of the Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF), our dedicated PTSA organizations, and the VOICE mentorship program continue to enrich student learning and provide vital resources that benefit every classroom. Together, these efforts reflect the heart of Issaquah: a community that steps up, gives back and ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed.
We invite you to learn more and get involved. When our community comes together, our schools grow stronger.
Visit isd411.org/get-involved to find the opportunity that’s right for you.
Profile of a Graduate
What essential skills should ISD students graduate with?
What skills should students develop over the course of their K-12 educational journey? District leaders are working to answer these questions, and would like to know what the community thinks.
The School Board will host three town hall meetings to hear about what skills and qualities every Issaquah School District graduate should have.
“I think a really important conversation, and something that we’ve continued to have as a board is how we can find more flexibility in our graduation requirements and the system that we’re operating in now to make sure that all of our students are prepared for the big world that awaits them out there,” Director A.J. Taylor said.
“We’ve had a lot of conversation during the last two years ... about trying to find ways to imbue more life skills learning into our system,” Taylor said, but noted that he believes the challenge will be how the district can do that given the current graduation requirements.
Join Us
Your feedback about the skills every ISD graduate should acquire will help shape our own Issaquah School District “Profile of a Graduate.”
The two town hall meetings are at:
- Maywood Middle School
- October 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Issaquah Middle School
- October 28, 6:30-8 p.m.
ISD Online Learning
Announcing ISD Online, our new full-time online school!
Opening in the fall of 2026, this choice high school will serve students in grades 9–12, offering a flexible, personalized learning experience for those who thrive in an online environment. It will operate alongside our existing part-time online learning and re-engagement programs, further expanding the range of options available to support student success.
The new full-time online school will feature high-quality, standards-based instruction delivered by certified teachers, while continuing to uphold the academic excellence and student support our district is known for.
Students will have opportunities to participate in athletics, arts, clubs, and other activities, along with access to academic and social-emotional supports. We look forward to working together as we build this new opportunity for our students.
As district practice and regulations call for, we will invite our students to participate in the process to select a mascot for the new school.
Stay tuned for in-person and virtual open houses this fall to meet teachers and staff, and to see student support spaces.
Enrollment for ISD Online will open in the spring 2026.
Join the huddle.
We have a new podcast, Homeroom Huddle, available everywhere you stream. Hear honest, behind-the-scenes conversations with students, educators, staff and community members. isd411.org/podcast
Levy Funds, Land Acknowledgement, School Board, More
YES Brings Proven Mental Health Support to Issaquah Schools
This fall, Youth Eastside Services (YES) began providing behavioral health support in four Issaquah School District schools: Skyline High, Issaquah High, Liberty High, and Issaquah Middle Schools. The district remains committed to expanding school-based mental health services and partnered with YES for their proven multi-tiered model, successfully implemented in other districts.
YES’s multi-tiered approach includes:
- Tier 1: Prevention education for students, parents and staff.
- Tier 2: Small group interventions addressing stress, anxiety, peer conflict and similar concerns.
- Tier 3: Individual therapy and risk assessments for students in crisis.
Unlike traditional counseling, YES embeds specialists into the daily life of each school. Specialists consult on behavioral health concerns, lead classroom presentations, and even host parent book clubs on topics such as anxiety and digital wellness.
With district funding and community support, each school will have a dedicated YES behavioral health specialist, guided by a part-time supervisor. This expansion delivers critical mental health services directly to students and strengthens the safety net for our entire community.
Fast Facts from the
2024-2025 School Year:
19,258 students enrolled in the district
1,531 students graduated high school
761,732 meals were prepared in-house
97 languages spoken
6,541 volunteers helped students succeed
Why am I receiving this newsletter? The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight and communicate what is happening within the Issaquah School District with the entire community. This is a way to reach all residents in our district, including households that do not have school-age children. This newsletter helps showcase the programs, activities and operations that educate and support our students. We use bulk mailing lists to ensure the least expensive way to distribute the newsletter.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The Issaquah School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that we are on the Indigenous Land of Coast Salish peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, specifically the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and Duwamish. We thank these caretakers of this land who have lived and continue to live here since time immemorial.