Superintendent

Dear Issaquah School District Community,

A new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow and discover exciting possibilities.

Whether your family is returning to our schools or joining us for the first time, thank you for the trust you place in our educators. Every day, teachers, support staff, school leaders and district teams work together to create learning environments where students feel safe, valued, connected and inspired to learn.

Together, we have a lot to celebrate. Our students continue to graduate at high rates, more students report a strong sense of belonging, and our efforts to support physical and emotional safety continue to strengthen our school communities. We remain committed to creating inclusive schools where every student feels respected, supported and empowered, and we are excited to build on this work through our new three-year Strategic Plan.

School districts across the state, including ISD, are facing many challenges. From rising costs that continue to outpace state funding to declining enrollment, especially at the elementary level, we must plan thoughtfully, communicate openly and partner with you. As our community evolves, we will responsibly adapt, sometimes making difficult decisions, while always focusing on student needs.

Even as we navigate these changes, our commitment to excellent educational experiences and supporting every student remains constant. While elementary enrollment has declined, our high schools remain overcrowded and are projected to remain so, reinforcing the need for additional capacity. At the same time, we see an opportunity to reimagine the high school experience.

Across our district, students have access to a range of high school options, from traditional high schools and project-based learning to online education and our New High School, which will offer pathways in robotics and engineering, entrepreneurship and health sciences in fall 2027. These options help students discover their interests, develop their strengths and build the skills they need to be future-ready and thrive after graduation.

I see hope in our classrooms every day. I see it in a student discovering a new strength, an educator finding a new way to reach a learner and a family cheering on a child. I see it in the joy of learning and in the passion our educators bring to their work. Hope helps us believe in what is possible and keeps us moving forward, even when the path is difficult.

As we begin this new school year together, I hope you see that same sense of possibility in our schools. I look forward to partnering with you throughout the year and celebrating all that our students will accomplish.

In partnership,

Heather Tow-Yick
Superintendent