Issaquah School Board directs staff to seek permit extension for planned new high school site

The Issaquah School District Board of Directors directed district staff to request an extension of the land‑use and building permits for the proposed new high school site and asked staff to return with a feasibility plan that fits the district—s current financing.

Under the direction given at the meeting, staff said they would submit a letter to the city seeking an extension "as soon as possible" and schedule a follow‑up presentation to the board at its April meeting with options for what could be built on the parcel within existing funding constraints.

District financial staff told the board the district currently has $90 million earmarked for the project, plus funds collected from the 2022 capital levy and other reserves. Martin Tierney, describing the financing, said the district could draw on roughly $134 million in combined sources when interest and reserves are included, and that an additional $20 million of general‑fund commitment could be available. Tierney advised the board that two permits expire within eight days of each other, one on April 19 and the other on April 27, and recommended asking the city for an extension while the district evaluates site options.

Board members repeatedly voiced support for pursuing the extension and for receiving a feasibility analysis. "We have a fiduciary responsibility to explore all options," Director Gallagher said, citing prior site investment and voter approval in past bond measures. Directors Mullings, Taylor and Coyne also said they supported requesting the extension and reviewing feasible designs that fit the available financing.

Superintendent and staff said they would return to the board with starter options for the April 10 meeting and would immediately submit the extension request to the city.

The item was handled as a board direction (consensus) rather than a formal roll‑call vote; staff treated the discussion as clear guidance to proceed.