District opens levy advisory committee, says three renewal measures under consideration

The Issaquah School District on Wednesday reported the first meeting of a district levy advisory committee and described the scope of local measures under consideration for voter approval.

Chief of Finance and Operations Martin Tierney and communications staff said the committee — about 66 community volunteers who represent multiple feeder patterns including student participants — convened its first meeting to review school funding basics and begin public feedback on possible 2026 levy measures. Tierney said the advisory work will use a consensus model to gather community input and that meetings will be held weekly while staff refine draft proposals.

What’s under consideration: Tierney described three district measures that currently fund gaps between state and federal allocations and local operating costs: an educational programs and operations levy, a capital levy (which staff said would include both technology and critical repairs), and a transportation levy. Superintendent (as recorded) reminded attendees that the 2018 McCleary solution reduced part of the funding gap statewide but that ongoing local levies are still required to support full district operations.

Why it matters: Levy renewals — if placed on the ballot and approved by voters — supply local operating and capital funds the state formula does not cover. Tierney said committee members will work toward a preliminary package recommendation, with later meetings dedicated to each levy topic and additional opportunities for public comment. Communications director Mark Sherwood said meeting materials and summaries would be posted on the district website after each committee meeting.

Board comment: Director Taylor and others urged clear public education about the role levies play in district finance, including how local, state and federal funds interact and why levies are necessary. Tierney and staff said the committee would provide that community‑education function and that results of the advisory work will be made public.

Next steps: The advisory committee will meet weekly through several planned sessions (technology & capital repairs, then educational programs and operations, then a synthesis meeting). Staff said they will publish agendas, meeting materials and summaries on the district website and return recommendations to the superintendent and board for any proposed ballot placement.