Issaquah board adopts 2025–26 budget, cites equity‑based priorities

The Issaquah School District board adopted Resolution 1243 on the 2025–26 budget following a public hearing and staff presentation outlining revenues, expenditures, levy capacity and a four‑year outlook.

Mariah Bannes, executive director of finance, told the board the packet includes the MSOC disclosure and a multi‑year summary of revenues and expenditures. In the presentation staff described the state‑funded portion included in the MSOC disclosure and the district’s total projected expenditures.

Board members said they appreciated the finance team’s work and noted this budget is the first year the board’s direction to use equity‑based budgeting was incorporated into allocations. Director Mullings said the approach should steer supports toward buildings with the highest need. Other directors praised the thoroughness of the budget documentation and urged continued multiyear planning to manage state and federal funding uncertainty.

The board moved and seconded the resolution; the motion passed by voice vote.

What it means: Staff said the adopted budget incorporates the board’s priorities for directing additional supports to high‑need schools and positions the district to begin stronger multiyear planning. Board members flagged ongoing concerns about underfunding for services required by students with higher needs and noted the district will continue to monitor state and federal funding levels.

Next steps: District finance staff will implement the adopted appropriations for the 2025–26 fiscal year and continue committee and community engagement on long‑range planning.